The Lead Off A Michigan House committee has advanced three bills aimed at strengthening literacy training requirements for teachers. The legislation includes mandates tied to the “science of reading,” K-5 instruction standards, and dyslexia-focused training. The bills now head to the full Michi gan House for consideration. LANSING, MICH. (WOWO) A Michigan House committee has approved a package of bills aimed at improving reading instruction across public schools, advancing legislation that would expand training requirements for teachers and strengthen support for students with reading difficulties. The measures focus on teacher preparation programs, mandatory professional development for K-5 educators, and specialized instruction for students with dyslexia. Literacy legislation moves to full House The bills were approved by the House Education and Workforce Committee and now advance to the full Michigan House for consideration according to Bridge Michigan. Literacy remains a key focus for state lawmakers and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer as statewide test data continues to show persistent challenges in reading proficiency among students. On the National Assessment of Educational Progress, 24% of Michigan fourth graders tested were considered proficient in reading, compared to 30% nationally. On Michigan’s own student assessment, 38.9% of third graders were proficient in English language arts in 2025. Rep. Nancy DeBoer, a Republican from Holland and chair of the House Education and Workforce Committee, said advancing the bills reflects continued attention to student reading outcomes. Teacher training requirements under proposal One of the bills, House Bill 5646, sponsored by Rep. Tim Kelly of Saginaw Township, would require that beginning Sept. 30, 2027, all prospective teachers in Michigan complete preparation programs that include training in the “science of reading.” The legislation would apply to both traditional teacher preparation programs and alternative certification pathways and would establish specific literacy-related requirements for those programs. Mandatory K-5 literacy instruction training House Bill 5697, sponsored by Rep. Nancy DeBoer, would require K-5 teachers and certified instructional staff involved in elementary education to complete training in high-quality reading instruction methods. Supporters of the legislation say the goal is to ensure consistent instructional practices across early elementary classrooms, where reading skills are typically developed. Dyslexia-focused instruction requirement House Bill 5081, sponsored by Rep. Kathy Schmalz of Jackson, would require at least one teacher in each school to be trained in instructional methods for students with dyslexia, including principles associated with the Orton-Gillingham approach. Schmalz said Michigan already requires dyslexia screening in schools but does not currently require teacher training specific to supporting students with the condition. “I’ve seen too many young people with dyslexia pass through school not getting the help they need,” Schmalz said. Testimony and support from educators During committee discussion, lawmakers heard testimony supporting the dyslexia-related legislation. Rebecca Hutchinson, superintendent of Concord Community Schools, said her district implemented Orton-Gillingham-based instruction this school year and observed improvements among struggling readers. Hutchinson also spoke as a parent of a child with dyslexia, describing how access to trained educators and structured literacy programs contributed to her son’s academic progress. “If a school district doesn’t have or offer a program like Orton-Gillingham, then these children lose that advantage in being able to access all learning through reading,” Hutchinson said. Next steps in the legislative process The three bills now move to the full Michigan House, where lawmakers will consider whether to advance them further in the legislative process. If approved, the measures would still require passage in the Michigan Senate and signature by the governor before becoming law. The Takeaway A Michigan House committee has advanced three literacy-focused bills aimed at strengthening teacher preparation and improving reading instruction in early grades. The legislation would require “science of reading” training for prospective teachers, mandatory K-5 literacy instruction training, and dyslexia-focused instructional support in each school. The bills now head to the full House as lawmakers continue debating education reforms tied to statewide literacy performance concerns. The post New Michigan Legislation Targets “Science of Reading” Training for Educators appeared first on WOWO News/Talk 92.3 FM and 1190 AM. ...read more read less