With Michigan’s Aug. 4 gubernatorial primary approaching, a statewide policy group is pressing candidates to support two additional literacy reforms after lawmakers approved funding for three others in this year’s state budget.
The West Michigan Policy Forum says Michigan has adopted three of the five reforms it credits with helping Mississippi climb from 49th to ninth nationally in fourth-grade reading over 11 years.
Michigan currently ranks 44th in fourth-grade reading on the National Assessment of Educational Progress.
The state budget includes funding for science of reading instruction, teacher training, literacy coaches and tutoring. The remaining proposals would require students to demonstrate reading proficiency before advancing grades and create an A-through-F school grading system.
“It’s not about the capability of our children. It’s about us not providing the resources that allow them to catch up,” said John Kennedy, chair of the West Michigan Policy Forum.
Kennedy argues Michigan won’t match Mississippi’s gains without adopting the remaining reforms.
“We won’t accomplish what Mississippi did with three-fifths of the solution,” he said.
The Michigan Education Association opposes the proposals.
“These are failed policies that didn’t work when Betsy DeVos, Jase Bolger and Rick Snyder tried them a generation ago,” said Thomas Morgan, a spokesperson for the union.
Local 4 asked the major gubernatorial candidates where they stand on the remaining proposals.
Democratic candidate Chris Swanson questioned whether Mississippi should be Michigan’s model.
“When you look at the Mississippi model, go look at what their eighth-grade literacy for math and reading is, and it’s right back down lower,” Swanson said.
Republican candidate John James said accountability should be part of any education reform.
“We have to have accountability. Accountability is key. Any reform without accountability is no reform at all. Ultimately, parents deserve the transparency of how their school is performing,” James said.
A campaign spokesperson for Democratic candidate Jocelyn Benson pointed to her education plan.
“From ensuring every child can read by third grade through proven Science of Reading instruction, literacy coaches, and high-impact tutoring, to modernizing classrooms and preparing students for the jobs of the future, her plan is built around solutions that are efficient, data-driven, and focused on outcomes,” campaign spokesperson Rajan Srinivasan said in a statement.
Republican candidate Perry Johnson did not respond to Local 4’s request for comment.