Executive Order 2026-12: Every Child Reads Champions Council
Key claim: Michigan Governor’s Executive Order 2026-12 dissolves the PreK-12 Literacy Commission and replaces it with the Every Child Reads Champions Council, an advisory body within MiLEAP focused on science-of-reading-aligned instruction through 3rd grade and beyond.
Abstract
Executive Order 2026-12: Every Child Reads Champions Council News State Orders and Directives May 28, 2026 Every parent wants their child to thrive in school and in life. And it all starts with literacy. Reading, writing, and communication are the building blocks of success. When kids are strong readers, they grow into creative thinkers, confident speakers, and future leaders. That’s exactly what our communities need and our kids deserve. Michigan is redesigning reading instruction to align with the science of reading—ensuring every child gets the support they need to read confidently by 3rd grade, 7th grade, and beyond. In the early grades, kids learn how letters and sounds come together, how words carry meaning, and how to read with confidence. As they grow, these skills turn into critical thinking, problem solving, and powerful communication, essential skills to thrive in their classroom, community, and future workplace right here in Michigan Our goal is simple: every child reads. We’re betting big on what works and using evidence-based best practices: providing early starts for all learners, using proven methods to teach reading, and giving students any extra help they need to succeed. On July 27, 2016, Executive Order 2016-18 established the PreK-12 Literacy Commission to advise on the implementation of the Read by Grade 3 law passed. In Executive Order 2023-6, the PreK-12 Literacy Commission was transferred from the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) to the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP). As both the law and our understanding of the best methods for teaching reading have evolved, it is necessary to restructure and focus the efforts of this advisory body to support continued improvements for Michigan learners. Section 1 of article 5 of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 vests the executive power of the State of Michigan in the governor. Section 8 of article 5 of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 obligates the governor to take care that the laws be faithfully executed. Acting under the Michigan Constitution of 1963 and Michigan law, I order the following: 1. Creation of the Every Child Reads Champions Council (a) The Every Child Reads Champions Council (“Council”) is constituted as an advisory body within the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential. (b) The Council will consist of the following members: (1) The Michigan superintendent of publi
Why this matters
Executive Order 2026-12 reshapes the state’s top literacy advisory structure at a moment when the Legislature is simultaneously amending Sec. 1280f to tighten science-of-reading requirements, signaling coordinated executive and legislative pressure on how Michigan teaches early reading. For districts, teachers, and parents, the change centralizes advisory input within MiLEAP and reinforces science-of-reading as the state’s default instructional paradigm through 3rd grade and beyond.