Background on Literacy Crisis
Michigan has struggled with low literacy rates, with only 38.9% of third graders proficient in English language arts on the Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress last year.

Michigan lawmakers are moving to address the state’s literacy crisis by introducing legislation that would require science of reading training for K-5 educators and teacher preparation programs.
Michigan has struggled with low literacy rates, with only 38.9% of third graders proficient in English language arts on the Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress last year.
House Bill 5697 would require all K-5 educators to have science of reading training by the 2031-32 school year, while House Bill 5646 would require teacher preparation programs to include this training starting September 30, 2027.
The science of reading is a crucial component of effective literacy instruction, and its implementation is essential for improving literacy rates in Michigan.
"The proposed legislation aims to ensure that teachers are equipped with the necessary skills to teach children to read effectively, addressing concerns that current teacher preparation programs may not provide adequate training.
The push for science of reading training in Michigan schools reflects a broader effort to improve literacy rates and address the state’s literacy crisis.
The proposed legislation is a crucial step towards improving literacy rates in Michigan, and its success will depend on the effective implementation of science of reading training in schools. Learn more about the science of reading and its impact on literacy rates.