A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

Michigan

Team Report

The State of Michigan has designed a three-prong approach to implementing the ideas in "Preventing Reading Difficulties in Young Children": (1) Infant, Toddler, Preschool Readiness Kits for Parents; (2) Michigan Literacy Progress Profile and Portfolio; (3) Model Summer School Programs. The readiness kits include a variety of reader-friendly information for parents who want to ensure that their children are prepared for the formal learning experiences that will occur once they enter school. The kits contain videos, audio-tapes, activity cards, books, and literature that helps parents understand the importance of brain-based early literacy activities. The progress profile and portfolio contain comprehensive assessment tools for students in preschool through grade 3. It also contains suggestions for learning strategies that will help children further develop their literacy skills. These suggestions are designed for both parents and teachers. The goal of the profile and portfolio is to align assessment and instruction. The model summer school programs will be used by local districts to design programs that will ensure that students who fall behind during the school year, have the quality learning experiences needed to help them catch-up to their peers. The models will be used to guide selection of Goals 2000 Grant awards. Additionally, Michigan has promoted school/community partnerships for focused mentoring of pupils in need of additional support in reading. This program, known as ACE is based on, and typically was, the H.O.S.T.S. structured mentoring program for implementation. This program has had positive results for children in many at risk communities.

A Michigan Success Story

Wilkshire Early Childhood Center in Haslett, Michigan, a Lansing suburb is one of Michigan?s success stories. It is a K-1 program and offers a balanced approach to early literacy instruction. Through strong leadership and thoughtful professional development, Wilkshire Early Childhood Center has designed a program that carefully aligns high standards, assessment, and instruction. Students receive a variety of instructional programs designed to meet their individual needs. The individual programs are guided by a well-planned assessment system that features on-going assessment of the student?s achievement of Michigan?s English Language Arts Standards. Because Wilkshire staff members value the support of parents, they have designed a thorough system for reporting student progress to parents. Reporting practices allow parents to learn the most important indicators of early literacy development and to understand the benchmarks that signify adequate progress. The curriculum uses a variety of support systems to ensure that all students achieve rigorous literacy standards including Reading Recovery, Title I aides, and parent tutors.

For further information, contact:

Sherren Jones, Principal
Wilkshire Early Childhood Center
5750 Academic Way
Haslett, MI 48840
(517) 339-8208

State Commitment Form

State: Michigan
Team Leader: Michael Williamson
Phone Number: 517-373-3901

As a result of attending this Summit, what two things does your state team commit to doing in the next six months toward enhanced literacy for children and their families?

1. Review and expand standards and benchmarks for early childhood literacy focused programming, birth to age eight.
2. Develop an infrastructure for increasing communication and collaboration among all stakeholders in pre-school through early elementary settings.

1. Restructure accountability for Head Start to the Title I model.
2. Increase fiscal support for early childhood literacy programming.

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