Michigan Schools to Implement New Literacy and Dyslexia Law
Michigan’s educational landscape is set for a significant shift as a newly enacted law aims to tackle dyslexia, literacy, and reading challenges across the state’s schools. Spearheaded by Senator Jeff Irwin, this legislation emphasizes the integration of the science of reading into early education frameworks.
The bipartisan legislation aims to enhance the teaching of phonics and decoding skills in elementary grades, a key factor in improving students’ reading abilities. “The new law weaves the science of reading into early elementary literacy education,” said Irwin. This approach is particularly beneficial for students displaying dyslexia characteristics, which affects 20% of learners.
Under the new law, educators will receive specialized training to better support students struggling with reading. This includes prioritizing phonics and decoding assessments. The legislation also allocates resources for evaluating students’ reading skills.
Heather Weisenburger, a reading interventionist at Central Elementary in Grandville, highlights the importance of early detection. “We don’t want to wait until third grade to find out they can’t read. We want to know from the get go,” she stated. Weisenburger’s role involves supporting both students and teachers in addressing reading challenges, advocating for comprehensive intervention methods.
Roger Bearup, Superintendent of Grandville Public Schools, acknowledges the law’s intention to create a consistent literacy framework statewide. However, he notes concerns about funding and the potential expectations for improvement. Some districts, Bearup mentions, worry about the resources needed to meet the law’s requirements.
A press release from the Michigan Department of Education outlines the law’s key mandates for the 2027-28 school year, including:
- Screening K-3 students for dyslexia characteristics three times annually
- Providing reading interventions for students with dyslexia characteristics
- Implementing a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) for instruction
- Offering professional development on dyslexia for educators
Senator Irwin emphasizes the importance of early intervention, stating, “We’ve got a lot of kids who are falling through the cracks right now because they’re not getting their decoding skills early enough to help them in their reading journey.” The law will be phased in over three years to allow for necessary educational adjustments and teacher training.
In anticipation of these changes, the Michigan Department of Education is currently reviewing assessments to be used under the new law. Irwin stresses the broader impact of reading challenges, noting, “Reading is fundamental. If we’re going to have a free quality public education for every child in Michigan, it has to deliver on literacy.”
