Avondale School District is proud to announce that it has been selected as one of Michigan’s top 40 districts for literacy innovation, earning a $187,500 READ Innovation Grant from the Michigan Department of Education. Out of 115 applicants statewide, Avondale’s innovative approach to improving literacy stands out as a model that can be scaled to benefit students across Michigan.
The Reading Excellence and Advancing District (READ) Innovation Grant supports forward-thinking programs designed to improve student outcomes in reading and writing. Chosen districts represent the very best in creative, research-driven practices—initiatives that not only strengthen literacy in their own schools but can serve as examples for others.
Avondale’s literacy initiatives target stronger reading skills for middle and high school students, building on years of successful science-of-reading practices in their elementary schools. Last spring, Avondale launched the Adolescent Literacy Initiative, with multiple secondary staff already Orton-Gillingham certified in reading and spelling. This grant equips even more teachers with advanced tools and training—affirming state recognition that Avondale is leading the way in improving student literacy.
With three rounds of funding available over three years, Avondale will share progress with MDE and other districts, with the potential to earn additional incentive funding as their approach demonstrates measurable impact on student achievement.
The recognition is part of the state’s larger effort to meet Goal 2 of Michigan’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan—improving early literacy achievement. State Superintendent Dr. Michael F. Rice praised the selected districts, saying, “It will take both innovation and research-based literacy instruction to improve our children’s reading and writing achievement.”
The entire Avondale community can take pride in this achievement, which reflects a shared commitment to preparing students for lifelong learning and success. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/4nJT0FT.
