Dean Moje calls for using all of the research available to guide Governor Whitmer’s focus on literacy

Michigan Public reports that literacy is the top priority of the Michigan Department of Education and State Board of Education. Governor Whitmer’s proposed education budget reflects that goal by providing money for teacher training, literacy coaches, and incentives for districts to adopt science of reading-aligned curricula.

The term “science of reading” generally refers to literacy instructional practices that emphasize phonics and decoding skills for the youngest students.

Dean Elizabeth Birr Moje tells Michigan Public that phonics-related skills are critical, but are far from the only skills required to master true literacy.

“There is so much more to reading and learning to read than just decoding,” Moje says. “You must be able to decode, [but] then you have to make sense. And you can't do that without a lot of other kinds of knowledge and skills.”

Moje applauds the governor’s focus on literacy. “It's exactly the right thing for the governor to do. It's where we need to go.” But she adds, “I want us to really use all of the research that we've done over many, many years to aid that effort.”