Michigan is gearing up to put student literacy at the forefront of its education agenda if Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's budget proposals take root. According to a statement from State Superintendent Dr. Glenn Maleyko, the governor's recently unveiled budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 puts significant funding behind initiatives aimed at bolstering reading and writing skills among the state's youngest learners, as per the Michigan Department of Education.
Dr. Maleyko, at the helm of the Michigan Department of Education (MDE), emphasized the importance of literacy as the department's "No. 1 priority." "I'm thrilled that the governor is not only bringing needed attention to the need to improve reading and writing achievement but walking the talk by proposing a significant investment in literacy," Maleyko stated. He highlighted key focus areas of the budget, including "PreK for All" and investments in professional development for teachers on the science of reading, curriculum adoption, and supporting students through tutoring and other resources.
The proposed investments are multifaceted, covering everything from teacher training to early childhood education. They feature a $50 million allocation for Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading & Spelling (LETRS) training, $100 million to encourage adoption of literacy-aligned curriculum, and $100 million to expand tutoring services for students who require additional assistance.
Gov. Whitmer and Maleyko have put forth a strategic plan that also caters to early investments with a hefty $181.8 million proposed for "PreK for All," including various measures to increase access, like startup grants for new classrooms and transportation funds. Furthermore, $33 million is earmarked to support collaboration with families in early childhood education, according to the Michigan Department of Education.
As outlined by the State Superintendent, the culmination of these efforts builds on the momentum generated by the Michigan Literacy Summit in December, as well as the laws signed in late 2024 by the governor to address literacy and dyslexia. The state's educational leaders are now looking forward to legislators' support to bring these ambitious literacy improvement plans to fruition.
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