Michigan’s Push for Literacy Training: A New Legislative Effort
The state of Michigan is considering a legislative move that could significantly impact elementary education. A new bill proposes that teachers, support staff, and administrators in Michigan’s elementary schools undergo comprehensive literacy training by the 2029-2030 academic year.
House bill 5697, introduced by Representative Nancy DeBoer (R-Holland), was recently deliberated in a Michigan House Education and Workforce Committee meeting. This bill aims to equip K-5 educators with advanced skills in the science of reading.
During the committee meeting, DeBoer emphasized the wider implications of reading difficulties, stating, “I believe reading issues are contributing to chronic absenteeism, causing students to drop out, causing or worsening student mental health issues, contributing to educators leaving the profession, and a factor in poor math and science scores.”
The proposed legislation outlines several key initiatives:
- Selection of a singular professional learning provider by the Michigan Department of Education.
- Training designed to help educators identify and address the challenges students face with reading, writing, spelling, and language.
- Provision of tools for effective, research-backed reading and spelling instruction.
- Annual legislative appropriation to fund the training mandate.
State Superintendent Glenn Maleyko announced that the training would be conducted by Lexia LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling). “So far, we have about 6,300 teachers that are trained K-5, and we have 5,600 that are currently taking the class and are enrolled,” Maleyko stated. He noted that approximately 44,000 teachers across the state would need to undergo this training.
Maleyko acknowledged the comprehensive nature of the training, “It’s a two-year program, so it is a lot of work on behalf of the teachers, but we know other states have seen effectiveness with this training.”
Concerns were raised by lawmakers regarding the financial implications and the additional burden this mandate might impose on educators. State Rep. Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth) voiced concerns about teachers’ personal commitments, saying, “Teachers have families. They may have to go home, see their children, pick them up from daycare, whatever it may be. In some cases, if they’re not being compensated enough, they might be going to another job.”
Efforts are being made to determine optimal training schedules, with Maleyko indicating collaboration with districts to facilitate training either during school hours with district-approved release time or after hours with additional compensation.
While it remains too early to gauge the direct impact on literacy scores, data collection is planned to evaluate the outcomes of this initiative. DeBoer expressed urgency in the legislative action, stating, “I don’t want this to wait for another budget season. How the legislature acts on improving reading will have a profound effect on children’s lives, the public education system, and our economy. We can do better.”
