Executive Order 2026-12: Every Child Reads Champions Council

Every parent wants their child to thrive in school and in life. And it all starts with literacy. Reading, writing, and communication are the building blocks of success. When kids are strong readers, they grow into creative thinkers, confident speakers, and future leaders. That’s exactly what our communities need and our kids deserve.  

 

Michigan is redesigning reading instruction to align with the science of reading—ensuring every child gets the support they need to read confidently by 3rd grade, 7th grade, and beyond. In the early grades, kids learn how letters and sounds come together, how words carry meaning, and how to read with confidence. As they grow, these skills turn into critical thinking, problem solving, and powerful communication, essential skills to thrive in their classroom, community, and future workplace right here in Michigan 

 

Our goal is simple: every child reads. We’re betting big on what works and using evidence-based best practices: providing early starts for all learners, using proven methods to teach reading, and giving students any extra help they need to succeed. 

 

On July 27, 2016, Executive Order 2016-18 established the PreK-12 Literacy Commission to advise on the implementation of the Read by Grade 3 law passed.  In Executive Order 2023-6, the PreK-12 Literacy Commission was transferred from the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) to the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP). As both the law and our understanding of the best methods for teaching reading have evolved, it is necessary to restructure and focus the efforts of this advisory body to support continued improvements for Michigan learners. 

 

Section 1 of article 5 of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 vests the executive power of the State of Michigan in the governor. 

 

Section 8 of article 5 of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 obligates the governor to take care that the laws be faithfully executed. 

 

Acting under the Michigan Constitution of 1963 and Michigan law, I order the following: 

 

1. Creation of the Every Child Reads Champions Council 

(a) The Every Child Reads Champions Council (“Council”) is constituted as an advisory body within the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential. 

(b) The Council will consist of the following members: 

(1) The Michigan superintendent of public instruction or their designee from within the department;  

(2) The MiLEAP director or their designee from within the department;  

(3) Three members appointed by the Governor from the lifelong education sector with expertise in the science of reading;  

(4) Two members appointed by the Governor from the non-profit, community, or advocacy sectors with experience in lifelong education and literacy. At least one of them must represent a parent perspective;  

(5) Two members appointed by the Governor from the philanthropic, civic, or grantmaking sector with experience supporting lifelong education; 

(6) Two members appointed by the Governor from the business sector with experience supporting lifelong education;  

(7) One member appointed by the Governor who has experience working in a tribal government or educating in tribal communities and supporting lifelong education; 

(8) One member appointed by the Governor from a list of 3 names, each possessing relevant experience supporting lifelong education, submitted by the Speaker of the House;  

(9) One member appointed by the Governor from a list of 3 names, each possessing relevant experience supporting lifelong education, submitted by the Minority Leader of the House;  

(10) One member appointed by the Governor from a list of 3 names, each possessing relevant experience supporting lifelong education, submitted by the Senate Majority Leader; 

(11) One member appointed by the Governor from a list of 3 names, each possessing relevant experience supporting lifelong education, submitted by the Senate Minority Leader. 

(c) All Council members should be aligned with the state’s literacy goal before being appointed and committed to informing the successful, long-term implementation of a bipartisan literacy agenda. 

(d) The membership of the Council should represent the diversity of our state and learners, including: urban, suburban, and rural communities; early childhood education; out-of-school time; special education; and English language learners. 

(e) Members of the Council appointed under subsections (1)(b)(3)-(7) will serve for four-year terms. Members of the Council appointed on recommendation of the legislature under subsections (1)(b)(8)-(11) shall serve for two-year terms. 

(f) A vacancy on the Council will be filled in the same manner as the original appointment for the balance of the unexpired term.   

(g) A member of the Council who is appointed under subsections (1)(b)(3)-(11) may be removed for cause upon the vote of a majority of the members serving. 

(h) For the purposes of this Executive Order, “lifelong education” includes early childhood, PreK-12, and post-secondary education.  

2. Charge to the Council 

(a) The Council will act in an advisory capacity to the Governor and will do the following: 

(1) Champion:  

(A) Be a public champion for the Every Child Reads program and the state’s literacy agenda.  

(B) Energize and align statewide leaders from education, business, philanthropy, non-profits, and government around a shared vision that every child becomes a strong reader, writer, and communicator.  

(2) Advise:  

(A) Engage local, regional, state, and national literacy champions to identify what is working to advance the goals of Every Child Reads and any opportunities to improve.  

(B) Host conversations with national literacy experts about the science of reading and opportunities to continue aligning Michigan’s literacy agenda with best practices.  

(3) Monitor and Strengthen:  

(A) Guide and provide input on the preparation of the of the Every Child Reads Implementation Update, as set forth in section 4 below. The Council shall review and provide feedback to MiLEAP and MDE on the Implementation Update prior to its release. 

(B) Guide and provide input on the Every Child Reads Dashboard, as set forth in section 4 below.  

(b) The Council will provide other information or advice as requested by the Governor, legislature, or MiLEAP. 

3. Operations of the Council 

(a) MiLEAP will assist the Council in the performance of its duties and provide personnel to staff the Council. The budgeting, procurement, and related management functions of the Council will be performed under the direction and supervision of the director of MiLEAP. 

(b) The Michigan Department of Education should, under the direction and supervision of the Superintendent, assist the Council in the performance of its duties.  

(c) The Council will adopt procedures consistent with Michigan law and this order governing its organization and operations. 

(d) The Governor will designate the chairperson of the Council.  

(e) The Council may select from among its members a vice chairperson. 

(f) The Council may select from among its members a secretary. Council staff will assist the secretary with record keeping responsibilities. 

(g) The Council will meet at the call of its chairperson and as otherwise provided in the procedures adopted by the Council. 

(h) A majority of the members of the Council serving constitutes a quorum for the transaction of the business of the Council. The Council must act by a majority vote of its serving members. 

(i) The Council may establish advisory workgroups composed of individuals or entities participating in Council activities or other members of the public as deemed necessary by the Council to assist it in performing its duties and responsibilities. The Council may adopt, reject, or modify any recommendations proposed by an advisory workgroup. 

(j) The Council may, as appropriate, make inquiries, studies, and investigations, hold hearings, and receive comments from the public. The Council also may consult with outside experts in order to perform its duties, including experts in the private sector, organized labor, government agencies, and at institutions of higher education. 

(k) The Council may hire or retain contractors, sub-contractors, advisors, consultants, and agents, and may make and enter into contracts necessary or incidental to the exercise of the powers of the Council and the performance of its duties as the director of MiLEAP deems advisable and necessary, consistent with this order and applicable law, rules and procedures, and subject to available funding. 

(l) The Council may accept donations of labor, services, or other things of value from any public or private agency or person. Any donations must be received and used in accordance with law. 

(m) Members of the Council will serve without compensation but may receive reimbursement for necessary travel and expenses consistent with applicable law, rules, and procedures, and subject to available funding. 

(n) Members of the Council will coordinate all legislative and media contacts that directly involve the work of the Council with MiLEAP staff. 

4. Every Child Reads Implementation  

(a) MiLEAP will, in close coordination and collaboration with MDE and with guidance from the Council, annually prepare an Every Child Reads Implementation Update summarizing progress on initiatives, implementation needs and opportunities.  MiLEAP will deliver the report to the Governor by October 1 of each year starting in 2027 and make the report available on a public-facing website.

(b) MiLEAP and the Center for Educational Performance and Information will, in close coordination and collaboration with MDE and with guidance from the Council, develop and annually update an Every Child Reads Dashboard including state assessment data, national assessment data, and other data relevant to tracking the progress of Every Child Reads. Data will be disaggregated by school district and student demographics to the maximum extent possible, and the Dashboard should be updated by January 15 each year beginning in 2027. MiLEAP shall consult with the Council prior to implementation of the annual update.      

5. Implementation 

(a) All departments, committees, commissioners, or officers of this state will give to the Council, or to any member or representative of the Council, any necessary assistance required by the Council, or any member or representative of the Council, in the performance of the duties of the Council so far as is compatible with their duties and consistent with this order and applicable law. 

(b) Nothing in this order will be construed to change the organization of the executive branch of state government or the assignment of functions among its units, in a manner requiring the force of law. 

(c) If any portion of this order is found to be unenforceable, the unenforceable provision should be disregarded and the rest of the order should remain in effect as issued. 

(d) Executive Order 2016-18 is rescinded. The Michigan PreK-12 Literacy Commission established under Executive Order 2016-18 is abolished.  

(e) This order is effective upon filing. 

 

Given under my hand and the Great Seal of the State of Michigan.