Michigan Moves Toward Common Science of Reading Training for K-5 Teachers

New Literacy Law Supports Understanding of
Evidence-Based Instruction to Improve Student Literacy

LANSING – Michigan is moving forward with plans for all grades K-5 teachers who teach reading to complete state-funded professional learning focused on the Science of Reading.

On Tuesday, the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) opened a request for submissions for the purpose of selecting two or more professional learning providers to train teachers in the Science of Reading. The Science of Reading is literacy instruction that focuses on phonemic awareness (the ability to recognize sound), phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on July 21 signed a new law, Public Act 26 of 2026, that ensures by the beginning of the 2031-32 school year that certified teachers from local school districts, intermediate school districts and charter schools who provide, support or oversee instruction in grades K-5 that involves reading instruction or language arts successfully complete professional learning focused on the Science of Reading.

“Literacy is our top priority with putting Students First,” said State Superintendent Dr. Glenn Maleyko. “To improve student literacy achievement, we must give teachers the professional learning they need to provide evidence-based instruction to children.”

The initiative aligns with Goal 2 of Michigan’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan, to improve early literacy achievement.

“I am thrilled that Michigan is providing more support to its students and its teachers so that our children can improve literacy achievement through evidence-based instruction,” said State Board of Education President Dr. Pamela Pugh. “The State Board of Education will continue to prioritize improving student literacy.”

The 2026 Science of Reading law aligns with the continued progress related to historic K-12 literacy/dyslexia laws approved in 2024.

The 2026 law requires MDE to approve at least two professional learning providers within 90 days of the law’s effective date and then annually in subsequent years. Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS), funded for the past five years, meets the criteria outlined in the new law and will continue as one of the approved providers.

MDE will identify additional eligible providers through the request for submission process, with final approval determined by department leadership. The request will remain open until noon Eastern Time on Sept. 9, 2026. The request for submission can be found on the MDE Literacy Professional Learning webpage. 

MDE also will work with statewide associations, literacy experts and practitioners, school, district, and intermediate school district administrators and other key partners to develop a statewide implementation plan within 90 days of the law’s effective date. Over the coming weeks, MDE will invite people who are recommended to serve on the statewide implementation team for the new law. The department will extend invitations based on recommendations from MDE staff and statewide educational organizations.  

Anyone who has questions or would like additional information can contact: MDE-Literacy-Dyslexia@Michigan.gov.

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