TalentFirst advances early literacy through a coordinated set of initiatives designed to drive measurable improvement while addressing the issue at scale. With fewer than 40% of Michigan third graders reading at grade level, the consequences are immediate and long-lasting—students who fall behind early are far more likely to struggle throughout school and enter adulthood unprepared for work, college, or career training. Low literacy also carries a steep economic cost, estimated at $2.2 trillion nationally each year, making early literacy a critical workforce and economic priority.
At the systems level, TalentFirst convenes business, education, and community leaders to turn data into action and accelerate progress. By elevating evidence-based practices, increasing transparency, and aligning regional efforts around clear goals, TalentFirst is helping drive meaningful gains in early literacy. This collective approach strengthens educational equity and ensures more children become strong readers—building a stronger talent pipeline for Michigan’s future.
By funding high-quality classroom libraries and providing expert literacy coaching, this initiative helps ensure more students become confident, proficient readers by the end of third grade.
alentFirst remains a strong advocate on the critical importance of helping students read proficiently by third-grade. That’s why we have compiled this dashboard: to help parents, school boards, policymakers, educators and community partners understand, ask questions and drive immediate solutions to this Michigan literacy crisis.
TalentFirst’s recommendations for a regional goal of leading the state in early literacy by increasing 3rd-grade ELA proficiency by 5% annually over the next three years.
TalentFirst honors schools who are outstanding examples of excellence in reading instruction and accomplishment, celebrated at ceremonies throughout March each year as part of National Reading Month.
An alliance of business, K-12 and teaching-college leaders today announced an unprecedented agreement to increase West Michigan’s third-grade English Language Arts proficiency by 5% annually over the next three years.