LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says she wants to spend her final year in office focused on improving childhood literacy. On Tuesday, Whitmer joined educators and community leaders at the inaugural Michigan Literacy Summit, and referred to the endeavor as a shared priority.

“We came together because we are united in our mission to help all our kids become strong readers and writers,” Whitmer said.

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However, despite the renewed emphasis, student reading outcomes during Whitmer’s tenure have lagged badly. Several reports by Michigan News Source show deep and persistent declines statewide. In a June report, MNS detailed that 60% of Michigan third graders tested below proficiency on the M-STEP ELA test in 2024.

That same year, Gov. Whitmer admitted on social media that Michigan still has a long way to go when it comes to kids and reading skills. In 2023, more than five percent of students tested more than a year behind in reading.

And in August 2025, the Michigan Department of Education revealed that 2024-2025 state testing revealed significant gaps in student’s reading and math knowledge.

However, Whitmer appears to take her social media reach more seriously than reading. This video shows the governor rapping about a llama in red pajamas with the Boys and Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan.

 

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Gov. Whitmer cannot run again in 2026 due to term limits.