Michigan’s Literacy Challenge: A Drive Toward Evidence-Based Solutions

Officials with the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) have made bold moves to address persistent literacy gaps and learning loss. With literacy scores lagging nationally, the state is investing heavily in programs that provide additional instructional time, targeted interventions, and high-quality curricula aligned to the science of reading.

Major Funding Streams Driving Change:

• Section 35a(5): $19.9 Million
  Supports extra small-group reading and writing blocks for preK–5 students, creating more instructional time to accelerate foundational skills.
• Section 35m: Competitive Grants
  District leaders can apply for funding to implement ranked, evidence-based reading and writing curricula aligned with the science of reading. This funding expires September 2026, making now the time to act.
• $11.5 Million for K–8 Screeners and Diagnostics
  State funding covers licenses for reading and math screeners, ensuring district leaders can identify and address student needs early.
• Section 16b: $107 Million Ongoing
  Provides equal per-pupil grants to charter school and low-index buildings for Tier 2 and Tier 3 Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) interventions in reading, writing, and math.