Michigan Is Raising the Bar for K-5 Reading Instruction
The state continues to raise its expectations for how reading is taught. New legislation is opening the door to a network of approved professional learning providers, rather than a single required program, which means your district gets to choose a professional learning partner grounded in research that fits your school district’s needs..
Where Michigan Is Headed
Michigan’s approach to early literacy has been building for several years: evidence-based curriculum, universal K-3 dyslexia screening, and a growing emphasis on training every K-5 educator in the science of reading. That momentum continues, with new state funding and requirements arriving regularly. .
One thing has stayed consistent throughout: Michigan is building toward a system where districts choose from state-approved training providers, not a single mandated program. That structure is what makes this a genuine opportunity, not just another box to check.
What This Means for Your District
- You get to choose. An approved-provider model means your district selects the professional learning partner that best fits your students, staff, and community, rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all program.
- Already using a single training model? This is a natural point to check whether it is still the right fit, or whether your district wants more options.
- State funding continues to move toward literacy training, which means cost is less of a barrier to choosing well.
- Districts that plan ahead tend to be in the best position as guidance and requirements continue to take shape.
What to Look for in a Professional Learning Partner
Requirements keep shifting as new guidance comes out. What doesn’t change is the expectation that your learning partner should meet. Look for:
- A complete K-12 system, not a single workshop. Coverage across whole-class instruction, supplemental support, and intervention, not a one-time training.
- Research behind every component. Explicit, systematic instruction in phonological awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, spelling, and language structure.
- Built-in accountability. A way to confirm educators have actually mastered the content, not just attended a session.
- A direct line to MTSS. Coaching that connects to how your district already uses screening, progress monitoring, and data to make decisions across tiers.
- Full-service delivery. Training, materials, and reporting handled by the provider, so your team can stay focused on classrooms.
- A path to internal capacity. The option to train your own facilitators over time, rather than depending on outside support indefinitely.
Take the Next Step
Let’s talk about what a strong professional learning partnership looks like for your district.
Services Built for Michigan’s Standards
Onsite & Online Learning That Lasts
Keys to Literacy offers professional learning delivery options to meet the needs of Michigan districts and schools, from small rural systems to large urban districts. Our multi-component model pairs initial training with long-term support for teachers, administrators, and peer coaches, so learning continues well past a single session. Choose from onsite, online, or certified facilitator delivery, whatever fits your schedule, staffing, and community.
Keys to Beginning Reading
A complete K-5 foundation in reading instruction.
Keys to Adolescent Literacy
Support for struggling readers in grades 4 through 9.
Understanding Dyslexia
Training aligned with Michigan’s dyslexia screening requirements.
Leadership Coaching
Building the systems and capacity to sustain literacy work district-wide.
Already at Work in Michigan
- Macomb ISD Leadership Institute: Launching August 2026, with 180 K-5 leaders across 21 districts.
- A growing network of Michigan educators and administrators engaged through regional partnerships and info sessions.
- Read the story: Leadership Spotlight with Dr. Karen Langlands
Working alongside RedThread and Lavinia RISE
Keys to Literacy is part of the K12 Coalition family, alongside RedThread Literacy and the Lavinia RISE Summer Learning Program, both developed by Lavinia Group. RedThread provides a full K-8, science of reading-aligned curriculum already in place in Michigan districts including Dearborn and Detroit. Keys to Literacy’s professional learning provides the practice side: the training and coaching that helps educators bring a curriculum to life in daily instruction.
For districts already teaching with RedThread, or considering it, curriculum and instructional practice can be built together rather than sourced separately. And for districts running summer learning through Lavinia RISE, whose Southeast Michigan work already includes the DiscoverWorks MI program, Keys to Literacy’s professional learning offers a natural way to carry that momentum into the school year.
Explore Lavinia Group
Keys to Literacy is part of the K12 Coalition family. For curriculum, instructional coaching, or summer learning support alongside our professional learning, our sister brand Lavinia Group offers RedThread Literacy, RISE Summer Learning, and district consulting.
Funding Support
Michigan continues to direct state funding toward literacy professional learning and instructional materials, including $502 million in new state funding for literacy coaching and curriculum support in the newly passed state budget. Keys to Literacy can help your district identify which state and federal funding sources may apply to your professional learning plans.
Take the Next Step
Let’s talk about where your district stands and what a strong professional learning partnership looks like for your district..
