Help Every Reader Keep Moving Forward
Michigan is raising the bar for evidence-based literacy. RGR helps districts strengthen foundational skills, address persistent reading gaps, and give educators the tools and support to reach more readers.
State-reviewed materials, independent evidence, and proven implementation support for better literacy outcomes.
Michigan districts have taken important steps to strengthen literacy instruction. But even with a strong core in place, some students will need more.
Beginning in 2027–28, Michigan districts must ensure reading instruction and curriculum materials are evidence-based, with a focus on foundational skills, oral language, vocabulary, and comprehension.
That makes 2026–27 an important year to strengthen implementation, address remaining instructional needs, and prepare educators for what comes next.
RGR helps districts strengthen instruction where students need it most, without starting over.
From stronger foundational skills to targeted support for older readers, RGR helps districts extend their literacy strategy with explicit, teacher-led instruction and sustained educator support.
Add explicit, systematic foundational skills instruction to help more students build the skills they need for proficient reading.
Give older students targeted, teacher-led instruction in the foundational and language skills they still need to access increasingly complex text.
Turn evidence-based literacy practices into consistent classroom instruction through explicit routines, ongoing professional learning, coaching, and implementation support.
With new statewide literacy requirements taking effect in 2027–28, the coming school year is an opportunity to strengthen what’s already working, address remaining needs, and prepare educators for what comes next.
For districts that applied for FY26 Section 35m funding, Michigan allows materials to be piloted during the 2026–27 school year. Eligible districts can refine their final selection through July 20, 2027, provided they remain within their originally selected funding category.
Michigan is backing its literacy priorities with dedicated funding and state-reviewed resources. Eligibility and funding requirements vary, so districts should confirm current requirements and deadlines with MDE.
Section 35m provides $64.4 million in FY26 funding for eligible literacy materials and resources selected through Michigan's rankings lists.
Michigan maintains an evidence-based Tier 1, class-wide elementary reading curricula list to help districts evaluate K–5 instructional materials.
Section 35m also provides pathways for eligible intervention materials and professional development, helping districts align instructional resources with implementation needs.
Wayne-Westland Community Schools set out to create a more consistent approach to foundational skills instruction across PreK–5. By aligning instruction, professional learning, and implementation support, the district strengthened Tier 1 and accelerated student growth.
The challenge:
More than 100 literacy tools were being used across PreK–5, creating inconsistent instruction and limiting student growth.
The approach:
Wayne-Westland aligned PreK–5 around shared structured literacy routines, stronger Tier 1 instruction, and ongoing professional learning and coaching.
The result:
Grade 5 decoding proficiency increased from 30% to 85% in one school year, while 97% of teachers reported literacy gains within two months of implementation.
When students reach Grades 3–8 with unresolved reading gaps, increasingly complex text only raises the stakes. RGR helps educators target the foundational and language skills older readers still need to become stronger, more capable readers.
FREE GRADES 3–8 INTERVENTION GUIDE
Pathways to Proficiency gives elementary and middle school leaders a practical framework for identifying student needs, matching intervention to the skill gap, and building responsive intervention groups.
Inside the guide:
- Four developing-reader profiles
- What universal screeners may miss
- A practical placement pathway
- Guidance for Grades 3–5 and 6–8
- A responsive monitoring and regrouping model
Strong implementation takes more than a kickoff. RGR gives educators practical support they can use as they teach, with clear instructional routines, ongoing professional learning, coaching, and resources that reinforce strong practice over time.
As needs evolve, the support evolves too.
Teachers get help putting evidence-based practices into action, while coaches and leaders build the knowledge and consistency to strengthen implementation across classrooms and schools.
Your Michigan literacy partner can help you strengthen what’s already in place and determine the right next step for your district. Whether you’re strengthening foundational skills, addressing persistent gaps among older readers, exploring Section 35m opportunities, or building educator capacity, we’ll help you identify a practical path forward.
Is Really Great Reading approved in Michigan?
Yes. Really Great Reading’s foundational skills programs are top-rated by the Michigan Department of Education and eligible for Section 35m funding. RGR supports evidence-based, structured literacy instruction aligned with Michigan’s PA 146/147 requirements.
Can Section 35m funding be used for Really Great Reading?
Section 35m provides funding for eligible materials, interventions, professional development, tools, and services included on applicable MDE rankings lists. Eligibility depends on the specific solution, funding category, and district application.
Can we start small before making a broader commitment?
For districts that applied for FY26 Section 35m funding, MDE permits materials to be piloted during the 2026–27 school year. Eligible districts may amend their final selection through July 20, 2027, provided the change remains within the category selected in the original application.
Outside of Section 35m, RGR can also work with districts to identify an implementation approach that fits their current priorities.
We already invested in a core curriculum. Where does RGR fit?
RGR can complement an existing core by strengthening explicit foundational skills instruction and providing targeted support for students who need more. The goal is to strengthen your literacy system, not require you to start over.
How does RGR support older struggling readers?
RGR provides explicit, teacher-led literacy intervention for older students with persistent gaps in areas such as decoding, multisyllabic word reading, fluency, vocabulary, and language.
What implementation support does RGR provide?
RGR supports educators through professional learning, coaching, explicit instructional routines, implementation resources, and ongoing learning designed to build educator expertise and consistency over time.
What changes for Michigan districts in 2027–28?
Beginning with the 2027–28 school year, Michigan districts, ISDs, and public school academies must ensure reading instruction and curriculum materials are evidence-based and focused on foundational and other reading skills. The law also establishes requirements related to screening, intervention, MTSS, and professional learning.