Dr. Diane Golzynski, Deputy Superintendent for Business, Health, and Library Services | Michigan Department of Education
Michigan is advancing its efforts to improve literacy with the introduction of two new grants for local school districts. These grants, effective today, are part of a broader initiative to enhance literacy achievement across the state.
State Superintendent Dr. Michael F. Rice emphasized the importance of this development, stating, “Today is another important day for Michigan students because our state is taking a major step in better teaching children to read and write by using proven research-based tools in our classrooms.” He added that improving reading proficiency requires providing teachers with necessary classroom materials and professional development.
The first grant comes under Section 35m of the state School Aid Act for fiscal year 2025. With an $87 million budget, it establishes a Committee for Literacy Achievement tasked with recommending tools and strategies to boost student literacy and distributing funds accordingly.
The committee has created three rankings lists: Tier 1 Early Literacy Materials and Series, Early Literacy Intervention Materials and Series, and Professional Development. These lists are based on submissions demonstrating a history of improving student outcomes. The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) will allocate funds based on districts' use of these highly rated literacy instruction tools.
Schools can apply for funding from one item on these lists, which are accessible via the Section 35m Committee for Literacy Achievement/HQ Literacy Materials Grant webpage.
The second grant is under Section 35n of the state School Aid Act for fiscal year 2025. It allocates $10 million to MDE to manage the competitive Reading Excellence and Advancing District (READ) Innovation Grant. This grant incentivizes districts implementing impactful literacy innovations rooted in reading science, aiming to identify successful practices that could be expanded statewide.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed laws in October 2024 aimed at enhancing literacy instruction effectiveness through educator training focused on identifying dyslexia characteristics. These laws received bipartisan legislative support.
These initiatives align with Goal 2 of Michigan’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan: improving early literacy achievement. Dr. Delsa Chapman from MDE stated, “Reading and writing are the foundations for success in school.”
Both grants have an application deadline set for July 11, 2025. Further details can be found in memos issued last week to relevant educational bodies.
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