Collaborative Literacy Meets Michigan’s Tier 1 Early Literacy Criteria – eligible for Section 35m funding

LANSING, Michigan, June 3, 2025 — The Michigan Department of Education’s Committee for Literacy Achievement (CLA) critically evaluated and ranked Tier 1 early literacy curriculum materials. Collaborative Literacy curriculum, the only core program offered by a nonprofit organization, is comprised of the Being a Reader and Being a Writer programs. Collaborative Literacy successfully met the criteria set forth by the CLA and therefore qualifies for Section 35m funding. This funding is part of the Michigan FY 2025 State School Aid and supports the Department’s goal of increasing student academic outcomes in the area of literacy.

“We’re thrilled that Michigan has recognized Collaborative Literacy as a high-quality, evidence-based solution for Tier 1 literacy instruction,” said Kelly Stuart, Collaborative Classroom President and CEO. “It’s an honor to support Michigan educators with proven, comprehensive, and instructionally aligned solutions grounded in the research base.”

Jeremy Hyler, Michigan Senior Manager of Educational Partnerships at Collaborative Classroom, said, “This recognition by the state underscores the effectiveness and rigor of Collaborative Literacy in fostering literacy development for all students. This program is built on the science of reading and is already transforming literacy outcomes for students across Michigan.”

Learn how Michigan students are succeeding with Collaborative Literacy: https://www.collaborativeclassroom.org/michigan/.

Collaborative Literacy Builds Proficient Readers and Writers

Critically evaluated and ranked by the Michigan Department of Education’s Committee for Literacy Achievement for Tier 1 Early Literacy, Collaborative Literacy is a comprehensive K–5 curriculum that builds strong and knowledgeable readers and writers, creates vibrant and caring classroom communities, and empowers teachers to deepen their knowledge and expertise. 

Being a Reader™ and Being a Writer™, the two dynamic programs that comprise Collaborative Literacy, weave together the latest research in literacy and learning, integrated social skills development, and embedded professional learning.

Key Features of Collaborative Literacy’s Comprehensive Instruction

A complete solution for core reading and writing instruction, Collaborative Literacy provides: 

• Comprehensive, research-based reading instruction that systematically develops both foundational skills and comprehension.
• Whole-class, student-centered writing instruction that focuses on process and conventions across genres.
• High-quality, high-interest fiction and nonfiction texts selected to support the instructional focus of each lesson and engage all students.
• Knowledge building through the integration of reading and writing experiences. Students actively foster their curiosity, build their knowledge, and become experts on topics that truly matter to them.
• English learner pre-teaching, extension, and point-of-need supports that help teachers provide scaffolding and prepare English learners to participate confidently in lessons.
• Integrated social-skills development that creates a supportive classroom community and nurtures students’ sense of responsibility for their own learning and behavior.
• Embedded, continuous professional learning that empowers teachers to expand their content knowledge and deepen their pedagogical expertise.
• Formative and summative assessments that support instructional decision-making for the class, groups of students with similar points of need, and individual students.

About Collaborative Classroom

Collaborative Classroom is a mission-driven, nonprofit organization committed to ensuring that all students become readers, writers, and thinkers who learn from, care for, and respect one another. Through evidence-based programs and embedded professional learning, the organization transforms teaching and learning and builds thriving school communities. 

Since the organization’s founding, our work has reached more than 10 million students and 440,000 educators across the country.