Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order today to establish the Every Child Reads Champions Council, a new initiative aimed at bolstering literacy efforts and ensuring student success across Michigan.
The council will unite leaders from education, business, government, and the community to monitor and advise on literacy initiatives statewide, ensuring every Michigan student has the necessary resources to thrive. Governor Whitmer emphasized that "Every kid deserves the chance to become a strong reader and writer," and highlighted the state's commitment to investing in resources to achieve this goal.
State Superintendent Dr. Glenn Maleyko affirmed that improving literacy is the Michigan Department of Education's top priority, expressing enthusiasm for continued collaboration on the Every Child Reads initiative. Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, Director of MiLEAP, added that "Literacy creates possibility" and shapes how children learn and grow.
The 16-member Champions Council will align state leaders on student success goals and engage with various stakeholders for improvement opportunities. Applications for the council are currently open, with appointments anticipated in August 2026, and meetings scheduled to commence at the start of the 2026-2027 school year. The Every Child Reads vision encompasses "Early Starts," "Proven Methods," and "Extra Help" to support comprehensive student literacy.