Michigan’s early literacy instruction is improving, according to a Mar. 31 report, following the state’s investment in support for educators and targeted coaching for young students. The changes are linked to the Read by Grade Three Law, which was enacted in 2016 as a response to concerns about student reading performance on state and national assessments.
The issue of early literacy is important because it affects students’ academic success and long-term opportunities. The state began funding early literacy coaches at Intermediate School Districts with an initial $3 million allocation during the 2016-17 school year. This funding increased over time, reaching $42 million annually by the 2023-24 school year.
Researchers Tanya Wright from the University of Michigan Marsal Family School of Education and Lori Bruner from the University of Albany examined how these coaching efforts were implemented under the law. Their findings are detailed in a new policy brief released by the Education Policy Innovation Collaborative, which also includes additional briefs from their Read by Grade Three Study.
The policy gives each Intermediate School District flexibility to decide how coaches are hired and assigned, allowing local needs to shape implementation while still following statewide frameworks. According to Wright and Bruner’s research, coaching was most effective when schools provided clear roles for coaches, manageable caseloads, strong administrative support, and access to quality instructional materials. “Improving literacy instruction at scale is possible when coaching is well aligned with research and supported by strong local systems,” Wright said.
The University of Michigan Ann Arbor stands as a public research university offering diverse programs across its campuses in Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Flint according to its official website. The university works to advance knowledge while cultivating leaders who address challenges within Michigan and beyond according to its official website.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2026-27 continues this focus on literacy improvement across Michigan schools. Wright and Bruner’s study offers recommendations designed to expand effective practices so that all teachers can benefit from high-quality coaching.
