Governor Whitmer Launches Task Force to Boost Children’s Literacy Skills

In an initiative to address declining literacy rates, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has announced the formation of the Every Child Reads Champions Council. This task force aims to enhance children’s reading skills by drawing on expertise from diverse fields, including education, community organizing, philanthropy, and business.

The council’s intent is underscored by Governor Whitmer’s statement: “In Michigan, we’re investing in the resources to help them get there. This council will play a crucial role keeping Michigan on track as we strengthen our literacy programs, support our teachers, and help our students thrive. Let’s keep working together to make sure Every Child Reads.” For more details, refer to the executive order.

Michigan has been struggling with reading scores, falling behind both nationally and compared to its own pre-pandemic levels. This has led to bipartisan calls for immediate reforms to accelerate students’ literacy progress. Proposals for the state’s upcoming budget have already been put forward, focusing on teacher training, literacy tutoring, and revising school funding formulas.

Matt Gillard, president of Michigan’s Children, supports the initiative, saying, “Bringing experts into these areas in any aspect, from a government standpoint, makes a lot of sense.” However, he cautions that the success of the council depends on whether elected officials heed expert advice, especially concerning budget allocations.

The council will consist of 16 members, including key figures such as the state superintendent and the director of the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential. Additional members will be appointed by the governor, with some input from legislative leaders. Applications are currently open for those interested in joining.

Gillard, who hasn’t decided on applying himself, highlights the importance of having members with firsthand experience in literacy programs. He notes, “I would hope that there would be folks who have real-life experience running programs like this, and knowledge from an educational standpoint of what actually works, and how to improve literacy skills, and where investments need to be made at the state and local level.” The appointees are expected to be announced in August.