Dr. Diane Golzynski, Deputy Superintendent for Business, Health, and Library Services | Michigan Department of Education
State Superintendent Dr. Michael F. Rice addressed the Michigan Senate Committee on Education, emphasizing the progress made in the state's public schools toward achieving the goals outlined in Michigan's Top 10 Strategic Education Plan. He called for additional legislative support to continue this progress.
Dr. Rice urged legislators to back education priorities by approving a budget that supports smaller class sizes, increased in-person instruction, and expanded early literacy initiatives. "No one metric defines public education," he stated, highlighting the importance of multiple goals and metrics within the strategic plan.
Governor Whitmer's executive budget recommendation and the Senate's budget align with many legislative requests, but Dr. Rice noted that the House budget lacks adequate support in key areas. The House proposal eliminates funding for LETRS training, high-quality early literacy materials, and general education transportation reimbursement while consolidating funding into a large block grant rather than allocating specific funds for English learners, CTE programs, and teacher shortage solutions.
Despite recent improvements in various educational areas, Dr. Rice acknowledged that more work is needed to enhance students' reading and writing skills.
Significant achievements include Michigan reaching its highest four-year graduation rate of 82.8% in 2024 and increased student participation in secondary school programs such as career and technical education (CTE), Advanced Placement (AP), dual enrollment, early middle college, and International Baccalaureate courses.
Dr. Rice also highlighted an increase in teacher preparation program enrollment since 2016-17 by 71%. To address teacher shortages, $1.1 billion has been appropriated over three fiscal years for various initiatives supporting aspiring teachers.
Additionally, generational literacy/dyslexia improvements were enacted into law in 2024 to enhance early literacy materials and require dyslexia screening and intervention.
The Michigan Department of Education is advocating for legislative measures including reduced class sizes in high-poverty K-3 classrooms, increased face-to-face instructional days with teachers by revising previous legislative changes from 2019 to 2023, funding for high-quality early literacy materials, and mandatory LETRS training for grades K-5 teachers.
Dr. Rice emphasized continued collaboration between the department, legislature, and governor to develop a budget that sustains educational successes.
Alerts Sign-up