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 - October 2026 -
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Welcome to the October 2026 MDE Literacy Unit Update!
As we move into the second half of the school year, our focus remains on empowering educators and supporting students in building strong literacy foundations. This month’s update highlights new resources, upcoming professional learning opportunities, and strategies to foster literacy growth across K-12. Together, we continue to champion literacy as the cornerstone of lifelong learning.
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Hi everyone! I’m Tykeisha (Ty) Allen, and I’m so excited to be joining the Literacy Unit in the Office of Curriculum & Instruction! I’m joining MDE from Macomb County administration, where I worked as a Senior Administrative Assistant for multiple departments. I also have over a decade of experience in healthcare administration.
Outside of work, I’m a proud wife, mom to a college freshman, and I also have three bonus babies. I love traveling, going to live concerts and Broadway shows, trying new foods and restaurants, and making memories. Education has always been important to me and my family, and I’m currently taking classes myself, so I’m excited to be on the other side of the work and contribute to something that has such an impact on students and families. I’m excited for this new chapter at MDE and look forward to getting to know everyone and being part of the team!
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Shalessa Ebron brings more than 20 years of experience in education, serving in roles ranging from classroom teacher and instructional coach to school and district-level leadership. Throughout her career, she has served with National Heritage Academies, Cornerstone Charter Schools, and Distinctive Schools, leading initiatives in curriculum development, literacy instruction, professional learning, and continuous school improvement. Her experience includes supporting educators and school leaders, strengthening instructional practices, and using data to drive student achievement. Shalessa is passionate about empowering educators, building collaborative partnerships, and ensuring all students have access to high-quality learning experiences. She remains committed to advancing educational excellence, fostering meaningful collaboration, and creating opportunities for student success.
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Section 35m Grant (Fiscal Year 2026)
The 2025-26 Section 35m Committee for Literacy Achievement / HQ Literacy Materials Grant application closed June 12, 2026 at 5pm ET and 537 districts were approved for funding.
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.
Budgets can be submitted on a rolling basis as outlined below:
Submitted and Approved by Date
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State Aid Payment Date
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September 18, 2026
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October
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October 18, 2026
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November
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November 20, 2026
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December
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December 18, 2026
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January
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January 20, 2027
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February
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February 19, 2027
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March
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March 19, 2027
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April
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April 20, 2027
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May
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May 21, 2027
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June
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June 18, 2027
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July
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July 20, 2027
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August
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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.
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Literacy Grants Fiscal Year 2027
Please find below updates for the fiscal year 2027 literacy grants. Fiscal year 2027 runs October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027. Please note all Section 35 grants allow for one year of carryover.
The 2026-27 Section 35a(2) ISD Early Literacy Coach Grant application will open in NexSys by the end of November 2026.
Each ISD is eligible to receive $125,000 per coach and must have a minimum of 4 early literacy coaches. Each ISD that already meets the 4-coach minimum is eligible to maintain their FY 26 allocation and automatically receive 1 additional coaching allocation. All additional coaching allocations will be distributed to ISDs based on the percentage of total statewide number of pupils in grades K to 3 who meet the income eligibility standards for the federal free and reduced-price lunch programs who are enrolled in districts within the ISD. ISDs eligible for additional funding will be contacted by MDE after the application closes.
Section 35a(4) of the FY 2027 State School Aid Act provides $75,000,000 to an intermediate district identified by the department for the provision of professional learning by the approved provider described in subsection (5)(Lexia Learning) to provide professional learning described in subsection (5)(LETRS) to Pre-K to grade 5 educators that provide, support, or oversee pre-K to grade 5 reading instruction; special education educators; administrators overseeing Pre-K to grade 5 educators that provide, support, or oversee pre-K to grade 5 reading instruction and special education educators; literacy coaches; faculty and staff at educator preparation programs that teach reading fundamental course and partners that lead regional and statewide literacy professional development, as determined by the department.
To learn more about LETRS training, please visit the Michigan LETRS website.
Section 35m of the FY 2027 State School Aid Act provides $50,000,000 to the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) to continue the Committee for Literacy Achievement and provide funding to districts and intermediate districts based on a rankings list of materials. The Committee for Literacy Achievement’s primary focus is to recommend tools and strategies with the goal of increasing student academic outcomes in the area of literacy.
The 2026-27 Section 35m Committee for Literacy Achievement / HQ Literacy Materials Grant Application will open in NexSys in December 2026. Districts will choose one category: Tier 1 (Pre-K to 5), Assessments (K-3), Interventions (Pre-K to 5) or Professional Development (Pre-K to 12).
Please Note: This is a formula Grant that includes both a base allocation and a Pre-K to 12 per-pupil amount (based on fall 2026 certified count).
After the MDE has determined the per-pupil formula based on the number of applicants, districts and Intermediate School Districts (ISDs) will be notified through NexSys that modifications are required. Modifications will be required for all Applications. This step will be the entry point to allow districts and ISDs to create their budget in NexSys for approval.
For more information and updates pertaining to this Grant, please visit our Committee for Literacy Achievement website.
The 26-27 Section 35d Dyslexia Orton Gillingham Program Grant application will open for districts in NexSys in spring 2027.
Districts will apply on a first-come, first-served basis until all funds are allocated. In the application, districts will choose their preferred provider that meets the criteria outlined in legislation, upload a quote or purchase order from the provider, identify the number of staff to be trained, and funds will be awarded accordingly for the training.
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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 practices. Approved submissions (submissions that meet MDE requirements) will be included on the December 2026 MDE Literacy Lists. Current versions of the Valid and Reliable Screening and Progress Monitoring Assessments and the Evidence-based Tier 1, Class-wide, Elementary Reading Curricula Lists are linked below.
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.
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MDE Professional Development and Technical Assistant Opportunities:
Public Act 146 of 2024 (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.
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 when available for local and regional training purposes, but you are welcome to review the updated version now! UPDATES2026: K-12 LitDysLaw-Handbook/MTSS
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 for 2027, please email mde-literacy-dyslexia@michigan.gov.
- 11/2/26: COOR ISD, Roscommon, MI
- 11/2/26: COP ESD
- 11/9/26: VanBuren ISD
- 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 (click links for more information):
Achieving Balance in Classroom Assessment (ABCA):
Assessment Literacy Institute (ALI):
- Deepen Assessment Literacy. Strengthen Instructional Practice.
- Series begins September 2026
Developing Quality Classroom Summative Assessments:
- Design Assessments That Truly Measure Student Learning
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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 recruitment 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.
Check out the Michigan Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) webpage for more information on how they ensure every Michigander has a path to prosperity from birth to earning a postsecondary credential that leads to high-wage careers.
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.
In collaboration with Michigan Virtual, the Office of Curriculum and Instruction, Literacy Unit, is pleased to announce a new self-paced virtual course for educators, Introduction to Michigan's K–12 Literacy & Dyslexia Law | Michigan Virtual. This course introduces the characteristics of dyslexia, highlights potential reading difficulties that may signal a student needs additional literacy support, and explores practical instructional adjustments grounded in the science of reading. Participants are able to earn 2-general SCECH for completion of the course at no cost.
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Thank you for spending a few moments with us this October.
We’re grateful for your dedication to nurturing strong literacy skills in Michigan’s K-12 learners each and every day. Your partnership continues to inspire our work, and we look forward to staying connected and sharing more resources and updates. Wishing you a wonderful month ahead!
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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:
- 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:
Literacy Unit:
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