Yes. Public Act 146 of 2024 applies to all public school districts, intermediate school districts (ISDs), and public school academies (PSAs) in Michigan.
Amira For Michigan
Michigan's Literacy and Dyslexia Law: What Every District Needs to Know Before 2027
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https://vimeo.com/11264594
COMPLIANCE TIMELINE
Key Deadlines for Michigan Districts
The law establishes a phased timeline. Here's what has already passed, what's coming, and what districts must have in place before the 2027–28 school year.
OCT 2024 - Law signed into effect
Public Act 146 of 2024 (SB 567 & 568) signed by Governor Whitmer. Both bills are tie-barred and took effect immediately.
AUG 2025 - Districts must update screening assessments
All districts, ISDs, and PSAs must ensure selected assessments include a reliable and valid universal screening component aligned with MDE guidance.
JAN-SEPT 2026 MDE opens new screening assessment submission window
MDE is actively reviewing and updating its approved K–3 screening and progress monitoring assessment list. Submissions accepted through September 30, 2026.
BY 2027-28 Full compliance required — all districts
Universal K–3 dyslexia screening three times per year, evidence-based K–12 intervention, MTSS framework, and staff professional development must all be in place.
Why Michigan Passed This Law
Michigan has faced a persistent early literacy crisis. Only 39.6% of third graders statewide passed the ELA portion of the Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress (M-STEP) in 2024 — and for students with unidentified dyslexia, outcomes were even worse. Senate Bills 567 and 568 were designed to close that gap by requiring early identification and structured intervention statewide, not just in districts that had already prioritized it.
39.6%
of Michigan 3rd graders passed the ELA M-STEP in 2024
3x/year
dyslexia screening required for K–3 starting 2027–28
K-12
intervention required for all students flagged by screener
WHAT THE LAW REQUIRES
Four things every Michigan district must have by 2027–28
Adventures solves structural failures of traditional PreK–2 assessment: episodic snapshots, curriculum disconnect, and narrow focus on only a fraction of development.
Universal dyslexia screening for K–3 students
Beginning in the 2027–28 school year, all public schools must screen every student in kindergarten through third grade for characteristics of dyslexia three times per school year using a reliable and valid MDE-approved universal screening assessment. This must occur without significantly impacting instructional time.
Evidence-based reading intervention for K–12
If a universal screening assessment indicates a student needs intervention, districts must provide evidence-based intervention services grounded in the science of reading and the principles of structured literacy — for all K–12 students, not just those in early grades. This applies to the extent the district is not already providing those services.
MTSS framework for organizing instruction
Districts must use a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework to organize classroom and intervention instruction. The three-tier model — universal instruction, targeted intervention, and intensive intervention — must guide how students are identified, monitored, and supported.
Professional development for all literacy staff
By the start of the 2027–28 school year, districts must provide assurance to MDE that all literacy consultants, literacy coaches, and other personnel providing reading intervention or instruction to K–12 students have completed required professional learning on: the characteristics of dyslexia and underlying risk factors; secondary consequences of dyslexia; and evidence-based instructional practices to support students with dyslexia.
COMPLIANCE CHECKLIST
Is Your District on Track? Use This Checklist
Use the checklist below to assess where your district stands. This is based on requirements outlined in Public Act 146 of 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions from Michigan District Leaders
Does this law apply to charter schools and ISDs?
What counts as an MDE-approved screening assessment?
MDE maintains and regularly updates its list of approved assessments for K–3 universal screening and progress monitoring. A new submission window opened in January 2026 and is open through September 30, 2026. Check the MDE K–12 Literacy and Dyslexia Law page for the current approved list.
Is dyslexia screening the same as a dyslexia diagnosis?
No. Universal screening flags students who exhibit characteristics of dyslexia or difficulties in learning to decode accurately. It does not constitute a formal diagnosis. Educators remain in control of decisions about next steps, and a diagnosis requires evaluation by a qualified professional.
What if our district already has a screening tool in place?
Your existing tool may qualify — but you must verify it is on the MDE-approved list and includes a valid dyslexia screener component. Districts were required to confirm or update their assessments by August 1, 2025.
Where can I find official guidance from MDE?
Visit michigan.gov/mde and navigate to the K–12 Literacy and Dyslexia Law section for official resources, the approved assessment list, the Michigan Dyslexia Handbook, and implementation guidance.
See How Michigan Districts are Preparing with Amira
Amira is MDE-approved and built to support every requirement in Public Act 146 — from universal K–3 screening and dyslexia risk identification to MTSS-aligned intervention and teacher transparency tools. See how districts across Michigan are using Amira to get compliant and drive reading growth.
- MDE-approved screening
- Dyslexia risk identification
- MTSS-ready reporting
- IRIP implementation support
- Bilingual English & Spanish
Tell us about your district
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