Closing the Literacy Gap: A Team Effort 

"Once you learn to read, you will be forever free." — Frederick Douglass

Educators know how fundamental reading is in the life of a child. With the introduction of Michigan's 3rd Grade Reading Initiative, the focus on literacy has been renewed--especially for those who work with children from birth through 3rd grade. 

Make plans to join educators, leaders, and literacy experts from across Michigan for a day dedicated to closing the literacy gap among our youngest students. 

• Keynote address by University of Michigan's Nell Duke 
• Update on current legislation from MEMSPA Executive Director Paul Liabenow
• Hear from Michigan Department of Education:
  • Deputy Superintendent Susan Broman
  • Office of Great Start Director, Richard Lower
  • Office of Improvement and Innovation Director, Linda Forward
• Breakout sessions with experts, educators, and practioners

Scheduled Breakout Sessions

• Essential Literacy Practices, Nell Duke 
   
• Reading Now Network: The Roots of Reading, Kyle Mayer and Dorothy VenderJagt
   
• Intentional Instruction Practices for Early Literacy and Mathematics, Brandy Archer and Jill Griffin
   
• Unpacking Intentional Teaching: Considerations for more focused, content-based instruction in preschool programs, Christine Maier
   
• Language Immersion for All, Darla Campbell
   
• Why Vocabulary Is Critical for Reading and What You Can Do About It, Tanya Wright
   
• Understanding a Multi-Tiered System of Supports Framework: How does it work with the current educational reality? Melissa Nantais

Click here to see full session descriptions.