#United States #Lansing #Collaborative Classroom #Collaborative Literacy #Tier 1 Literacy

Collaborative Literacy Achieves Excellence in Michigan Education

In a significant stride toward enhancing early literacy, the Collaborative Literacy program has been awarded Tier 1 status by the Michigan Department of Education's Committee for Literacy Achievement (CLA). This recognition positions Collaborative Literacy as an eligible candidate for Section 35m funding, aimed at improving literacy outcomes across Michigan.

What Is Collaborative Literacy?

The Collaborative Literacy curriculum is offered exclusively by Collaborative Classroom, a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming education. It features two innovative programs: Being a Reader™ and Being a Writer™. These programs are designed not only to develop reading and writing skills but also to foster a vibrant, engaging, and supportive classroom environment.

Comprehensive Curriculum

The Tier 1 status awarded to Collaborative Literacy is a testament to its comprehensiveness. The curriculum addresses key areas of reading and writing instruction, focusing on:

• - Foundational Skill Development: Systematic approaches to building essential reading skills and comprehension.
• - Student-Centered Writing Instruction: Emphasizing the writing process and conventions across various genres, enabling students to express their thoughts effectively.
• - Engaging Texts: High-quality, age-appropriate fiction and nonfiction texts are integrated into lessons to captivate students' interest and support instructional goals.
• - Knowledge Building: The program promotes the integration of reading and writing experiences, allowing students to explore topics of personal interest deeply.
• - Support for English Learners: Specialized pre-teaching and extensions are provided to ensure all students can engage confidently with the material.
• - Social Skills Development: Instruction emphasizes creating a community of responsibility and respect among learners.
• - Professional Development: Ongoing training for educators enhances their instructional practices and deepens their expertise in teaching literacy.
• - Assessment Tools: Both formative and summative assessments inform instructional decisions tailored to different student needs.

Insights from Leadership

Kelly Stuart, President and CEO of Collaborative Classroom, expressed her enthusiasm for the recognition, stating, "We're thrilled that Michigan has recognized Collaborative Literacy as a high-quality, evidence-based solution for Tier 1 literacy instruction." Her commitment reflects the goal of supporting educators with resources grounded in research.

Similarly, Jeremy Hyler, a key leader in educational partnerships at Collaborative Classroom, commented on the impact of Collaborative Literacy. He emphasized that the program is built on principles rooted in the science of reading and is already making a noticeable difference in literacy outcomes for students throughout Michigan.

The Impact Moving Forward

The recognition and funding eligibility signify a promising future for collaborative literacy initiatives in Michigan schools. Not only does it underscore the importance of quality literacy programs, but it also highlights a collective commitment to elevating educational standards statewide. With the support of evidence-based resources like Collaborative Literacy, Michigan is poised to enhance the learning experience for its students significantly.

By prioritizing comprehensive literacy instruction, the state is taking a decisive step toward building a foundation of proficient readers and writers, prepared to navigate the challenges of tomorrow. As educators and students embark on this journey, the collaborative efforts will surely lead to improved academic outcomes and enriched classroom communities.

For more information about how Michigan students are succeeding with Collaborative Literacy, visit Collaborative Classroom's website.