Battle Creek Schools Join Statewide Drive to Revolutionize Student Literacy

Battle Creek Public Schools is joining a statewide effort to strengthen literacy instruction, becoming one of 17 Michigan districts committed to training all elementary educators in the science of reading.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and State Superintendent Glenn Maleyko recognized the districts for setting goals to complete Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling, known as LETRS, training ahead of a state requirement that all K-5 reading teachers be trained in the science of reading by the 2031-32 school year.

What is LETRS Training?

LETRS is designed to help educators strengthen instruction in five key areas:

• Phonological awareness

• Phonics

• Fluency

• Vocabulary

• Comprehension

More than 7,600 educators have participated in LETRS training statewide and 5,600 have completed it.

Battle Creek's Commitment

Battle Creek Public Schools, which is part of Calhoun ISD, was among the districts approved to join the partnership.

"Literacy has been a cornerstone of Battle Creek Public Schools' transformation for years, strengthened by strategic partnerships and an unwavering belief that every child can become a powerful reader," Kim Carter, superintendent of Battle Creek Public Schools, said in the announcement. "The LETRS Leaders District Success Partnership will take that commitment to the next level by deepening our educators' expertise and creating lasting, systemwide change."

Statewide Implementation

Public Act 26 of 2026 requires all K-5 reading teachers in Michigan to be trained in the science of reading by the 2031-32 school year.

The Michigan Department of Education is developing a statewide implementation plan with local, regional and state partners. The LETRS program is currently an approved professional learning option for early childhood and elementary educators and administrators.

The partnership was developed with feedback from educators and superintendents and is intended to help districts integrate training into existing professional development schedules while providing coaching and implementation support.

The newly approved districts join earlier participants including Waterford Public Schools, Woodhaven-Brownstown School District and Kent City Community Schools.

Every Child Reads Initiative

The training effort is part of Michigan's Every Child Reads initiative, a statewide literacy strategy focused on early learning, evidence-based instruction and additional academic support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the LETRS training program?

A: LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) is a professional development program designed to help educators strengthen reading instruction in phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension.

Q: When must Michigan teachers complete science of reading training?

A: Public Act 26 of 2026 requires all K-5 reading teachers in Michigan to be trained in the science of reading by the 2031-32 school year.

Q: How many educators have completed LETRS training in Michigan?

A: More than 7,600 educators have participated in LETRS training statewide and 5,600 have completed it. Battle Creek Public Schools is among 17 districts newly approved to join the partnership.