A RESEARCH REPORT FROM EPIC

Michigan’s Literacy Coaching Landscape

March 2023

In this report, we provide evidence about the characteristics of Michigan’s literacy coaches, what they do, who they serve, and the challenges they face—both independent of and as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. We also examine educators’ perceptions of literacy coaches’ effect on instruction and student achievement.

Relying on statewide survey data and an observational study of coaches, we find that:

• Michigan literacy coaches are highly qualified;
• Supports for Michigan literacy coaches vary widely, which may be related to greater challenges for those receiving less assistance;
• Michigan literacy coaches may be spread too thin;
• Teachers who could most benefit from literacy coaching may not be receiving it;
• ISD Early Literacy Coaches allocate their time as designated by the Law and the Coaching Essentials; and
• Michigan educators have positive perceptions of literacy coaches.