Section 35m Grant Fiscal Year (FY) 2026
The 2025-26 Section 35m Committee for Literacy Achievement / HQ Literacy Materials Grant application closed June 12, 2026 at 5pm ET.
The department has determined the per-pupil formula based on the number of applicants and all grantees were notified through NexSys and email on 07/21/26 that modifications are required. Modifications are required for all applications. This step is the entry point to allow districts and ISDs to create their budget in NexSys for approval.
For more information including the Section 35m Application Checklist, FY 26 Section 35m FAQs and the approved lists, please visit the Section 35m webpage. Please direct any questions to MDE-EarlyLiteracy@michigan.gov.
K-12 Literacy and Dyslexia Law (PA 146)
This timeline provides a snapshot of key implementation dates, required actions, and planning milestones through the 2027–28 school year.
Assessment and Tier 1 Curricula Lists
These lists provide districts with vetted tools and resources for supporting high‑quality screening, progress monitoring, intervention, and instructional decision‑making. Ongoing vendor submissions and reviews will continue through December 2026.
MI K-12 Literacy Coaching Model - Phase 2
The MI K–12 Literacy Coaching Model Committee work continues to be a focus for the MDE, as we prepare for reviewing literacy coaching models for potential alignment with the requirements outlined in MCL 380.1280f to best support K-12 educators and students.
K-12 Individual Reading Improvement Plan (IRIP) and Assessment Selection Guidance
COMING FALL 2026!
- K-12 IRIP Guidance slides, script and optional template
- Assessment Selection guidance slides and script
MDE PD and TA Opportunities:
MDE 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.
NEW! Public Act 26 of 2026 (PA 26): K-5 Science of Reading Professional Learning - Request for Submission
The Michigan Department of Education has released the Request for Submission (RFS) for K–5 literacy professional learning under Public Act 26 of 2026. This RFS, now available on the MDE Professional Learning webpage, outlines the submission requirements for providers offering scientifically‑based literacy training that meets the specifications of PA 26, including instructional content, assessment integration, multi-tiered system of supports, and facilitator “train‑the‑trainer” components. Submissions must be completed via the Qualtrics platform between August 25, 2026 (5:00 PM EST) and September 9, 2026 (12:00 Noon EST) - please note, late entries will not be considered.
K-12 Literacy and Dyslexia Law Presentation (formerly “Literacy for All”)
MDE Literacy Unit consultants are excited to share that we have updated our K-12 Literacy and Dyslexia Law roadshow presentation! The updated version was created based on feedback from previous roadshow visits, and includes a deep dive into the five components of the MTSS Framework, specific guidance for secondary, while continuing to show alignment between the Michigan Dyslexia Handbook and the K-12 Literacy and Dyslexia Law.
The slides and script will be released in the fall for local and regional training purposes, but you are more than welcome to review and use the live version now! UPDATES2026: K-12 LitDysLaw-Handbook/MTSS (Full 3 hrs Workshop)
On the Road with the Literacy Unit
If you would like to attend any of the following events in which we are presenting, please reach out to the host. If you would like to inquire about hosting a regional training, please email mde-literacy-dyslexia@michigan.gov.
- 9/15/26: K-12 ISD ELA Consultants Meeting, Gratiot-Isabella Regional Education Service District (GIRESD), Ithaca, MI
- 9/29-9/30: MiLEAP & MCSC Family Engagement Conference, Lansing, MI
- 9/30-10/2/26: The Reading League National Conference, Chicago, IL
- 10/12-10/14/26: MDE Special Populations Conference, Lansing, MI
- 11/2/26: COOR ISD, Roscommon, MI
- 11/19-11/20: MiMTSS Conference, Lansing, MI
- 12/4/26: UM Flint-New Teacher Academy, Flint, MI
Balanced Assessment Systems & Assessment Literacy Series
MDE OEAA (Office of Educational Assessment & Accountability) & MAC (Michigan Assessment Consortium) upcoming series:
Achieving Balance in Classroom Assessment (ABCA):
Assessment Literacy Institute (ALI):
Developing Quality Classroom Summative Assessments:
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Dates: November 9-10, and December 7, 2026
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This three-day professional learning series from the Michigan Assessment Consortium supports educators in designing high-quality, accurate classroom summative assessments that provide meaningful evidence of student learning.
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Developing Quality Classroom Summative Assessments (DQCSA)
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.
Current MiMTSS TA Center Research Collaborations
How is the TA Center collaborating with external partners?
The TA Center is continuing to partner with Dr. Kent McIntosh at the University of Oregon on the ReACT Initial Efficacy Study. The third wave of implementation is underway, and recruitments is ongoing for participation during 2027-2028. Districts in Kent ISD, Ingham ISD, and Wayne RESA are encouraged to visit the Project ReACT homepage and watch the informational webinar to learn more and consider submitting an Interest Form.
K-12 MTSS Framework Support
MiMTSS TA Center: Specialized TA
- MTSS Implementation support K-5 & 6-12
- Integrated Tier One Literacy, Social Emotional MTSS Framework
- MiMTSS TA Center Specialized TA Request Form
Structured Literacy Series
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.
MiLEAP
MI Community Schools & Family Engagement Conference
In the first of its kind in Michigan, The Michigan Community Schools Coalition and the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) are co-hosting a statewide event to spotlight both the work of the 10 Regional MiFamily Engagement Centers and 155 community schools dedicated to building, growing, and sustaining key family engagement and partnership practices across the state. The 2-day conference will take place in Mount Pleasant September 29-30. Attendees will include families, educators, district administrators, early childhood professionals, and community partners. The MDE Literacy Unit is pleased to announce that we are presenting a breakout session!
Save The Date! The Southwest Michigan MiFamily Engagement Center will be offering a free literacy training at Western Michigan University October 22-23. The MiFamily Engagement is Essential for Literacy event hosted at WMU, will provide resources for cultivating literacy practices of children ages birth-10 and their families. This event is for providers, teachers, coaches and other family-facing professionals. Stay tuned for registration details!
NEW! MeL Fall 2026 Training Opportunities
Get ready for a great school year with a new lineup of MeL training sessions designed to support your library, classroom, and community. Join our partners at Britannica and EBSCO for guided tours of new features, redesigned platforms, and engaging tools that enhance learning and research.
As we begin a new school year, we extend our heartfelt best wishes to all Michigan K–12 educators, administrators, and students. May the months ahead be filled with purposeful learning, meaningful connections, and steady growth. Here’s to a successful, inspiring, and joyful year for every classroom and every learner across our state.
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 listserv. You can subscribe to literacy as well as other MDE communications you may be interested in.
Email Us:
For assistance regarding the Michigan K-12 Literacy and Dyslexia Law:
For assistance regarding K-12 literacy education in Michigan:
For assistance regarding LETRS training in Michigan:
MDE Literacy Unit:
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