Literacy Grants and Legislation
LETRS: Literacy Essentials for Teachers of Reading & Spelling
Cohort 13 Informational Webinar
Interested in enrolling? Join this info session on Tuesday, March 24, at 4:30 p.m. to learn more about Cohort 13's training schedule, course commitments and expectations, and how your participation will impact student literacy outcomes.
Note: Attendees must pre-register to join the session. During the session, attendees' cameras and microphones will be disabled.
Please register for the session here.
LETRS Cohort 13 Open Enrollment
Join over 12,000 of your fellow educators in Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) training. Registration for Cohort 13 is open December 1, 2025 – April 12, 2026. Training for Cohort 13 will start in June 2026.
For more information, including registration links, eligibility requirements, and FAQs, please visit the Michigan LETRS website. If you have any questions regarding LETRS training, please contact MDE-LETRS@michigan.gov.
Section 35m Grant (FY 25)
Budgets Due!
Districts that submitted an initial application in NexSys for FY 25 Section 35m grant funds must submit a budget in NexSys for approval by one of the following dates to receive funds in the corresponding state aid payment:
• Submit and approved by March 20th - April State Aid payment
• Submit and approved by April 17th - May State Aid payment
• Submit and approved by May 20th - June State Aid payment
Please note: all Section 35m funds must be expended or returned by September 30, 2026. Section 35m does not allow for carryover of grant funds. Please refer to the Section 35m FAQs for more information.
Section 35m (FY 26) process and guidance will be released in the spring of 2026.
K-12 Literacy and Dyslexia Law (PA 146)
Michigan’s Assessment and Curricula Lists Are Now Available!
Visit our K-12 Literacy and Dyslexia Law webpage to explore the PA 146 Assessment and Curricula Lists. These lists provide districts with vetted tools and resources for supporting high‑quality screening, intervention, and instructional decision‑making. Ongoing submission and reviews will continue through December 2026.
Professional Learning & Technical Assistance
NEW! PA 146 Professional Learning Resources
In support of the K-12 Literacy and Dyslexia Law (PA 146) Professional Learning requirements in section 7a-f, MDE has released the “PA 146 Professional Learning Resources” document which is now available on the MDE Literacy-Professional Learning webpage.
MiMTSS TA Center Professional Learning Offerings
The MDE Literacy Unit continues to partner with the MiMTSS TA center to offer technical assistance through training and presentations. For MiMTSS TA Center offerings please visit the MiMTSS TA Center’s Professional Learning Page.
Structured Literacy Series
Most recently, MiMTSS hosted a five part Structured Literacy Series to support the K-12 Literacy and Dyslexia Law/PA 146 professional learning. You can also find this series linked on the MDE Literacy-Professional Learning webpage.
LETRS Power Hour!
Are you ready to further apply your learning from LETRS Volume 1 to your classroom? Please join the MiMTSS TA Center for LETRS Power Hours! These dynamic 1-hour sessions will expand and deepen the knowledge you gained from Volume 1, while offering practical application strategies for your elementary classroom. Each interactive session will focus on validated, evidence-based instructional strategies used in classrooms to foster active participation, in addition to helping teachers select and organize critical content in their curricula. We will explore effective strategies to PLAN lessons, TEACH skills, and PRACTICE, designing guided and independent opportunities for learners to apply their knowledge. Find out more and register through March 17th: LETRS Volume 1 Power Hour Series hosting sessions from 4:30-6:00PM on the following dates: 3/18/26 and 3/23/26.
March is Reading Month
Governor Gretchen Whitmer Declares March is Reading Month!
Michigan’s March is Reading Month 2026 is officially recognized by Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who emphasizes the importance of literacy as a foundational skill for learning and personal growth. The initiative highlights early literacy efforts, encourages children to read, and supports educators in improving reading instruction through evidence-based practices. The observance also aligns with Michigan’s Top 10 Strategic Plan to enhance early literacy achievement for Michigan’s students.
MDE Statewide Initiatives
The Michigan Department of Education expands its literacy efforts by actively participating in March is Reading Month K-12 initiatives. This March, the MDE is sending guest readers to schools across Michigan, providing resources for diverse classroom libraries, and promoting equity and engagement in literacy.
Keep in Touch!
MDE Literacy Webpage
Visit the Michigan Department of Education’s Literacy Webpage to learn more about literacy efforts across the state. The K-12 Literacy and Dyslexia Law, and Professional Learning pages will continue to be updated.
Literacy Unit Listserv
Keep up to date on our most current information by subscribing to the Michigan Department of Education listserve. You can subscribe to literacy as well as other MDE communications you may be interested in.
Email:
Literacy Unit:
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