As school bells bring students and teachers back into the classroom this month, the Michigan Department of Education is partnering with 17 school districts to implement a new literacy training program.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer created Public Act 26 of 2026 in July, which requires all elementary school teachers in the state to complete literacy teacher education programs by 2031.
Michigan currently ranks 44th in the nation for fourth-grade reading, according to national assessments.
“Every kid deserves the best opportunity to become a strong reader and writer,” Whitmer said in a press release on Tuesday. “I applaud these districts for their commitment to helping every child read.”
Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) is the main program the state’s education department is implementing in schools.
According to Whitmer’s office, the program is “to provide early childhood and elementary educators and administrators with deep knowledge to be literacy and language experts in the science of reading. “
Crossroads Charter Academy in Big Rapids was one of the 17 school districts chosen to begin training this academic year. Superintendent Erich Hamsen said that the program takes about two years to complete.
Thirteen of the 20 teachers at the academy will complete about six hours of training every month and a half, completing readings and quizzes on the program’s material.
“It's quite a bit of work and a commitment on the teachers’ part and our school’s part,” Hamsen said. “I have put time in our schedule for professional development days.”
According to Michigan's Department of Education, around 7,400 teachers have previously completed the LETRS program. The state has already spent $44 million on the program and $75 million for 2027.
While teachers are required to complete training by 2031, the law states that “the legislature shall annually appropriate an amount sufficient to comply” with the cost of training.
"By investing in high quality professional learning through the Science of Reading, we are equipping educators with the knowledge and tools they need to improve literacy achievement. Continued collaboration will be essential as we work together to ensure every child reads,” wrote State Superintendent Glenn Maleyko in a press release.
“Literacy is the foundation for success in school, future careers and life, and every Michigan student deserves the opportunity to become a confident and successful reader.”
