"In public education, Michigan ranks 43rd nationally in fourth-grade reading NAEP scores." (Source: EdTrust Midwest, August 27, 2023). 

Oakland County schools are graduating students with reading comprehension levels well below what they need to function as performing adults.  This greatly diminishes employment prospects and the interest of businesses to invest in Oakland County by providing jobs here. There are plenty of community literacy programs that can address literacy gaps in ways that our schools are fundamentally challenged for both children and adults. By mastering reading and math skills, students excel in the rest of their education.  Successful high school graduates should be prepared to thrive independently with language and financial literacy, which support the development of job applications, resumes, budgeting, and entrepreneurialism, and more. We need to properly invest in our students.