A RESEARCH REPORT FROM EPIC

How ISD Early Literacy Coaches Are Implementing the Read by Grade Three Law

Prepared for Michigan’s Early Literacy Task Force

March 2021

One of the key mechanisms by which the Read by Grade Three Law aims to improve literacy instruction for Michigan K-3 students is literacy coaching. These coaches are to support and provide initial and ongoing professional development to teachers—including one-on-one literacy coaching—and lead and support school reading leadership teams. This report uses results from surveys of ISD Early Literacy Coaches as well as Michigan teachers, principals, and district superintendents to examine how the literacy coaching component of the Law has been implemented to date and how educators perceived the ISD Early Literacy Coaches with whom they worked. We also incorporate interviews with state-level stakeholders including policymakers, MDE officials, and external stakeholders representing various education and literacy organizations across the state.

KEY FINDINGS INCLUDE:
1. ISD Early Literacy Coaches met required qualifications under the Law.
2. ISD Early Literacy Coaches fulfilled their responsibilities outlined in the Law.
3. Teachers reported having less access to ISD Early Literacy Coaches than to other coaching providers.
4. Educators and state-level stakeholders expressed concerns about shortages of ISD Early Literacy Coaches.
5. Educators had positive perceptions of ISD Early Literacy Coaches.
6. ISD Early Literacy Coaches were satisfied with their job, but faced challenges supporting teachers.