Skip to main content

Michigan Department of Education Restructures Division to Elevate Curriculum and Instruction

Supports for Teaching and Learning of Literacy, Math,
Other Subjects to Be Strengthened

LANSING – The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) has launched an Office of Curriculum and Instruction as part of a reorganization to strengthen support for teaching and learning across Michigan schools.

The Office of Curriculum and Instruction is a key part of the department’s efforts to improve student literacy and will also elevate curriculum and instruction in math and other core subjects.

The new office is part of a reorganization of MDE’s Division of Assessment, School Improvement, and Systems Support.

“Strong curriculum and instruction are the foundation of student success,” said Dr. Sue C. Carnell, MDE’s chief deputy superintendent. “By creating the Office of Curriculum and Instruction, we are better positioned to put Michigan Students First and support them with the tools they need to thrive in literacy, numeracy, and beyond.”

The new office brings together staff from the Literacy and Educational Experiences units, previously housed in the Office of Educational Supports, to create a unified team focused on evidence-based instructional practices and resources that directly affect student achievement. Dr. Jen Saylor has been selected as interim director of the office. Saylor has served as assistant director of the MDE Office of Educational Supports.

The Office of Curriculum and Instruction includes consultants specializing in math, science, social studies, literacy and dyslexia. It also oversees other key areas, including high school graduation requirements, personal curriculum, alternative education, dual enrollment, online learning and culturally relevant instructional practices. In addition, the team administers grant programs to support local education agencies.

“This restructuring reflects MDE’s commitment to making curriculum and instructional resources more accessible and visible,” said State Superintendent Glenn Maleyko. “Our goal is to ensure every student has access to high-quality, equitable learning opportunities.”

Key Priorities of the Office of Curriculum and Instruction

The office will work closely with Michigan’s schools to:

  • Implement the 2024 Michigan K-12 literacy and dyslexia laws, Public Act 146 and Public Act 147.
  • Provide guidance on academic content standards, graduation requirements and flexible learning options.
  • Share evidence-based instructional strategies for literacy and numeracy and across content areas.
  • Offer high-quality curriculum resources and professional learning opportunities for educators.
  • Promote equitable and innovative educational experiences for all learners.

Curriculum Leadership at the Local Level

While the Michigan Department of Education develops and recommends academic standards to the State Board of Education for adoption, local school boards retain the authority to select curriculum and instructional materials that align with those standards. This ensures that schools have the flexibility to meet the unique needs of their students while maintaining rigorous expectations.

For more information about the Office of Curriculum and Instruction and its services, visit MDE’s Curriculum and Instruction webpage.

###

Media Contact: