Mandating Literacy Training for Michigan Educators: A Priority for Education and Economic Future

Strategic Insights -

Michigan's State Board of Education has passed a resolution advocating for mandatory Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading (LETRS) training for grades K-5 educators to improve early literacy skills in children. The initiative aims to provide research-based professional development to teachers, which has already benefited over 5,000 educators in the state. The board is urging the Michigan Legislature to fund this training and also promotes family literacy initiatives, free books, and support for at-home reading.

Key Takeaways:

  • The State Board of Education has approved a resolution to mandate LETRS training for K-5 teachers to improve early literacy skills in children.
  • LETRS training is research-based and has already benefited over 5,000 educators in Michigan, with another 7,000 in training.
  • The board is urging the Michigan Legislature to fund mandatory LETRS training and to expand Section 35m funding for research-based early literacy materials.
  • State Superintendent Dr. Michael F. Rice advocates for four research-based strategies to improve reading achievement, including mandatory science of reading professional development for K-5 educators.
  • The state is committed to working with local and intermediate school districts to implement historic 2024 laws addressing early literacy and dyslexia, including a literacy coaching model and recommended benchmark assessments and dyslexia screeners.
  • The resolution promotes statewide family literacy initiatives to provide free books and support at-home reading to improve early literacy skills.

Statistics:

  • Over 5,000 educators in Michigan have completed LETRS training, while another 7,000 are in training.
  • The state aims to improve early literacy achievement, with a focus on grades K-5.
  • Research-based LETRS training has been shown to improve reading skills in children.
  • State Superintendent Dr. Michael F. Rice advocates for four research-based strategies to improve reading achievement.

Sources:

  • "Mandate Would Improve Early Literacy Achievement." Michigan Department of Education (MDE).