SE Oakland News

Senator Aric Nesbitt, a member of the Michigan State Senate, used his social media platform on July 29 and July 30, 2025, to advocate for changes in educational policy and share additional posts.

On July 29, Senator Nesbitt wrote: "We have to get our kids back on track by reinstating mandatory read by 3rd grade laws. Lowering standards and pushing kids through a broken system is not how you help them reach their full potential." He called for the reinstatement of laws requiring students to achieve reading proficiency by third grade, expressing concern about declining academic standards.

The following day, Nesbitt posted two more tweets. The first consisted solely of a link: "https://t.co/zAzozm4O2I" (July 30). Later that evening, he posted an additional message featuring three American flag emojis and another link: " https://t.co/dFXMue7cVJ" (July 30).

Nesbitt's advocacy comes amid ongoing debate in Michigan over literacy requirements for elementary students. The state previously implemented a "Read by Grade Three" law that required schools to identify struggling readers early and provide intervention; however, this law was repealed in 2023 after criticism that it led to excessive retention rates among young students. Supporters like Nesbitt argue that such policies are necessary to ensure foundational literacy skills before fourth grade when curriculum shifts from learning to read toward reading to learn.

Michigan lawmakers continue to discuss education reforms as part of broader efforts aimed at improving student outcomes across the state.