AP File Photo Gretchen Whitmer

MICHIGAN — Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared March as Reading Month in Michigan in a press release on Sunday. She highlighted her continued focus on literacy supporting readers through the new Every Child Reads plan announced in her State of the State address.

“This March, and every month, we are reminded of the crucial role reading plays in our lives,” Whitmer said in the release. “Literacy is an ordinary superpower that every child deserves. That’s why we’ve tripled literacy coaches in schools, signed ‘Science of Reading’ legislation to teach phonics in Michigan schools, and proposed the ‘Every Child Reads’ plan, the largest literacy investment in Michigan history. This March, and every day, I encourage every Michigander to visit a local library, show appreciation for teachers and librarians, and read. Let’s keep working together to help every Michigander be a strong reader, writer, and communicator.”

According to the release, the March as Reading Month proclamation builds on Whitmer’s long-time commitment to strong public schools, excellent educators, and thriving students. During Whitmer’s first year in office, the Whitmer administration tripled the number of literacy coaches in Michigan schools. In 2023, Whitmer secured free breakfast and lunch for all 1.4 million public school students, saving parents almost $1,000 a year, per kid. Last month, Whitmer proposed making free breakfast and lunch permanent and signed a bipartisan law to reduce phone distractions in classrooms.

The release stated that Whitmer’s top education priority during her final year in office is to put Michigan on a path to ensure that every child in Michigan reads.

Whitmer stated that she will advocate for her vision to help Every Child Read with a three-part plan that builds on years of record, bipartisan education investments in students and schools:

– Early starts: Continue delivering pre-K for all, ensuring children arrive at kindergarten better prepared to learn.

– Proven methods: Get evidence-based, proven literacy teaching practices into all Michigan classrooms. Fund additional professional learning for teachers, including LETRS training, so all educators use the most effective strategies to improve student outcomes, and expand the use of effective curriculum.

– Extra help: Provide every student with more tutoring and small group support in class, over the summer, and in before- and after-school programs.

Over 6,000 Michigan educators have been trained in the intensive science of reading program, LETRS, according to the release. Through the Every Child Reads plan, LETRS training would be offered to all educators. The plan emphasizes proven methods to give teachers the most effective, evidence-based tools to support their students. Every Child Reads would also help schools identify students who need additional support and provide those students expanded learning opportunities in class, after school, before school, and over the summer.

“We appreciate Governor Whitmer’s focus on literacy and strengthening early learning across Michigan, and public libraries are proud to be longstanding partners in this work,” Dillon Geshel, executive director of the Michigan Library Association, said in the release. “March is Reading Month is the perfect occasion for families across the state to explore what their local public libraries have to offer. From free access to books, early literacy programs, and evidence-based learning resources that help build vocabulary, print awareness, and positive reading habits, public libraries are an early literacy hub for March is Reading Month and beyond.”

“March is Reading Month is a celebration of stories, but even more importantly, it’s a celebration of the foundations that make lifelong reading possible,” Jenny Marr, executive director Capital Area District Library, said in the release. “Public libraries play a vital role in early childhood literacy, providing access to books, storytimes, and welcoming spaces where families can build the skills that prepare children for school and beyond. We are grateful for the continued support of Governor Whitmer in championing literacy initiatives that help ensure every child in Michigan has the opportunity to become a confident reader. When we invest in our youngest learners through our libraries, we are investing in stronger readers, stronger families, and stronger communities.”

“Governor Whitmer’s continued focus on literacy — from funding LETRS professional development to structured tutoring — means our certified school librarians and classroom teachers can collaborate more deeply to support differentiated reading instruction,” Christine Beachler, district school librarian of Lowell Area Schools, said in the release. “School librarians help connect students with the right books at the right time, reinforce literacy skills learned in classrooms, and shape cultures of reading across our school communities to build and develop skilled, lifelong readers.”

According to the release, March as Reading Month is a commitment to continue working together to help all Michiganders be strong readers, writers, and communicators while encouraging a love of discovering literature in Michigan youth. Regular reading that starts in pre-K helps ensure that no child falls behind. Reading strengthens kids’ creativity and builds lifelong literacy.

“When students read, they can follow their passions through literary works to better understand their own story and the stories around them,” Whitmer said. “Celebrate March is Reading Month by visiting your local library, the Michigan Learning Channel, or picking up a book for yourself or a young reader in your life.”