By Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Guest Columnist
March is Reading Month in Michigan, and it’s one of my favorite times of year. While this month brings extra attention to reading, it’s a part of everyday life for schools and families that we should celebrate all year-round. It also reminds us how strong literacy skills set kids up for success down the road. This March, I want to focus on how we are working hard to help every child read.
Literacy is an essential, lifelong skill that helps kids grow up to be more confident speakers, better problem solvers, and skilled workers. It’s that simple. Unfortunately, American students are falling behind, and Michigan is no exception. Michigan is 44th for 4th grade reading. This is a serious problem, and our kids deserve better.
That’s why I’ve made literacy one of my top priorities for 2026. As I’ve said before, when every child reads, Michigan wins. With my literacy plan, “Every Child Reads”, we’re proposing the biggest investment in literacy in Michigan’s history. The plan has three parts: early starts, proven methods, and extra support.
The sooner children begin building literacy skills, the stronger their path forward becomes. That’s why we’re proposing a continued expansion of free PreK for All, so every child enters kindergarten ready to learn, grow, and thrive – no matter where they live. This program not only helps our kids, but parents too – saving 50,000 Michiganders $14,000 per year. It provides parents the peace of mind that their child is in a safe environment learning vital skills for their years ahead.
At the same time, we’re making sure our teachers have the tools they need to help kids read. Every Child Reads would expand teacher training and support approaches aligned with the Science of Reading. That includes phonics and comprehension, which together help students build skills step by step, giving them the confidence that comes with real progress. We know these tools work because it’s how you and I learned to read.
And because learning doesn’t end when the school day does, this plan also creates more opportunities for students to keep building those skills – through tutoring, summer programs, and before-and-after school support in their classrooms, communities, and homes. For some students, that extra time and attention can make all the difference.
Every Child Reads builds on work we’re doing right now to invest in literacy—from limiting phones during instructional time to tripling literacy coaches in schools. We all have a role to play in promoting literacy this March. I encourage you to pick up a good book. Read with a child. Visit your public library. Explore new worlds. Together, we can turn the page on literacy and make sure that, here in Michigan, every child is a strong reader and writer.
