Kent ISD Awarded READ Funds for Innovative Literacy Programs

Kent ISD is among 39 school districts awarded READ funds for innovative literacy programs. 

The Michigan Department of Education received applications from 115 districts for these grants, which total more than $6.7 million for innovation in teaching literacy. Members of Michigan’s Committee for Literacy Achievement, which includes educators, administrators, and literacy and program evaluation experts, evaluated applications for the first round of the competitive grant process. 

Using the grant funds, Kent ISD will partner with Godfrey-Lee Public Schools and Wyoming Public Schools to pilot a new instructional model designed to strengthen secondary literacy outcomes for Multilingual Learners of English and enhance instruction in grades 6-8. The model combines dedicated instructional coaches with evidence-based literacy practices and the integration of generative AI tools to help educators improve planning, instruction, assessment, and coaching.

Generative AI tools will be strategically integrated into teacher practices to help them analyze student learning data, form targeted instructional groups, and reflect on outcomes. Professional learning will prepare teachers to use AI ethically and effectively, thereby enhancing teaching quality and reducing planning time.

Over the next year, each of the 39 selected award recipients will implement their proposed innovation. Districts will submit data and progress reports throughout the year, which will be used to select six districts to continue on to Round 2 of the grant and receive an additional $370,000 to expand their innovation in the 2026-27 school year. For the final round, two winners will be selected (one elementary, one secondary) and will be awarded an additional $500,000. Winners will be chosen in September 2027.