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Michigan awards $87 million for schools to buy proven literacy materials

A group of elementary students work on literacy skills at Concord Community Schools May 19, 2025. Concord Community Schools is one of 561 school districts receiving funds to purchase evidence-based literacy curricula, student support materials and professional development for teachers Photo credit: Josh Boland/Bridge Michigan.

This story was originally published by Bridge Michigan��(bridgemi.com), a nonprofit and nonpartisan news organization. To get regular coverage from Bridge Michigan, sign up for a free Bridge Michigan newsletter ��().” 

by Isabel Lohman (Bridge Michigan)

More than 550 public school districts will receive state funds to upgrade their reading curricula and cover the cost of training teachers to help students build literacy skills, the Michigan Department of Education announced Friday.

MDE is awarding 561 school districts a total of $87 million. This includes 368 districts for evidence-based curricula; 64 districts for “interventions,” such as programs for students who are behind in reading and 129 districts for professional development.

As Bridge recently reported, despite a large boost in state spending, Michigan children are lagging in reading compared to their peers in every other Midwest state, as measured by a national test often called the nation report card. There are poorer states where students fare better, as well as states that spend less money and get far better results. Most have recovered quicker from pandemic learning loss than Michigan.

On the statewide assessment, only 39.6% of third graders were proficient or higher in English language arts in 2024.

The funds come as districts are about to start a new school year and experts say schools should use teaching methods aligned with the “science of reading.”

“I applaud these districts for recognizing how critically important researched-based materials, interventions, and professional development are to improving student literacy achievement,” said State Superintendent Michael Rice in a news release. “The large number of applications shows the demand for these materials and indicates the need for more funding to improve early literacy.”

Rice called on the Legislature to double the funds in the next budget. Lawmakers have yet to agree on a state school budget for the next fiscal year.

The funds come from the most recent state school aid budget, which allotted $87 million for a committee to determine evidence-based curricula and reimburse districts for their purchases. The districts could choose from eight curricula for whole-group instruction, four literacy intervention programs and eight different professional development programs.

Districts are not required to use the state-recommended curricula. But this program is expected to reduce the number of different curricula being used in schools across the state. Traditional public school districts, public charter schools and intermediate school districts were allowed to apply for the funds.

During the 2022-2023 school year, elementary school teachers across the state reported using 444 different curriculum resources for English language arts, according to an analysis by MSU researchers.

Rice recently blamed local control for low student literacy performance.

Michigan program to pay districts is one of several state efforts to try to increase student literacy achievement.

Michigan leaders have provided millions for teacher training, deployed literacy coaches to school districts across the state and passed new laws aimed at ensuring students are taught how to read in evidence-based ways.

The laws will require schools to screen students for characteristics of dyslexia, and provide evidence-based literacy instruction. Plus, educator preparation programs that must train future teachers on dyslexia and other items.

Additionally, the state has offered a total of $34 million for Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling training, also known as LETRS.

So far, 5,000 educators have completed the training, according to MDE

Rice has repeatedly called for the training to be mandatory for K-5 teachers.

Swan Valley School District Superintendent Alison Cicinelli said in the news release that her district will use the funds to expand teacher literacy training from younger grades all the way to 12th grade.  Her district will receive $5,104 for professional development.

“We know that when we invest in our educators, we’re investing in better outcomes for our students—and this funding helps make that possible,” said Cicinelli.

by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.