Yesterday, I joined educators and community leaders from across the state at the first ever Michigan Literacy Summit. We came together because we are united in our mission to help all our kids become strong readers and writers.

We are already making progress. Thanks to our work to deliver Pre-K for All and expand teacher training and retention, we’re laying the foundation for our students to succeed.

However, we know there is still work to do. We must keep working to boost our kids’ reading and writing skills by investing in what works. Our conversations yesterday highlighted the need for consistent curriculums, closing the literacy gap, and expanding the use of libraries. We also discussed the Science of Reading and the importance of helping students who need that extra boost. These efforts don’t end in the classroom. We need business, government, and community leaders to work together to get this done.

Strong literacy skills are the foundation of success in school and life. Getting a driver’s license, making your voice heard at the ballot box, and pursuing your career goals all start with the ability to read. I am ready to build on the work we’ve already done to make sure every child has the skills they need to make it in Michigan. When our kids are strong readers, they grow into creative thinkers, confident speakers, and future leaders that are ready to excel in their classroom, community, and future workplace.

Knowing how to read is an ordinary superpower that we all deserve to have. Let’s get to work.

Sincerely,

Michigan Literacy Summit

Yesterday, I joined literacy champions from across Michigan to have important conversations about the future of education in our state. Leaders in education, policy, and economics shared their expertise and strategized paths forward to strong reading and writing skills in Michigan.

I am inspired by the momentum of this group and ready to get to work on helping every Michigan student be a confident reader and writer.

Setting Students up for Success

Every child deserves access to quality learning opportunities. That’s why we’ve made record investments in education from preschool to postsecondary degrees, such as:

• Expanding access to free Pre-K for all, so that students arrive at kindergarten ready to learn.
• Putting Michigan students first by increasing education funding by $442 per student, for a grand total of $10,050 per kid, the highest ever state funding.
• Tripled the number of in-school literacy coaches to help every child read by third grade.
• Secured $150 million through MI Kids Back on Track to tackle unfinished learning and expand tutoring across the state.
• Delivered on the Michigan Guarantee, giving every Michigan high school graduate the chance to earn a tuition-free associate’s degree or skills certificate at their local community college.
• Created and expanded the Michigan Achievement Scholarship to lower the cost of college by thousands.
• Established Michigan Reconnect to offer Michiganders who are 21 and older a tuition-free associate degree or skills certificate in high-demand career fields.