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August 12, 2026
LANSING – Local school districts are sharing with educators statewide—with an assist from the Michigan Department of Education (MDE)—strategies for successful student outcomes in areas such as literacy, attendance and Career and Technical Education (CTE).
MDE officials at this week's State Board of Education meeting gave an overview of the department’s Spotlighting Effective Strategies Initiative. They highlighted innovative practices from schools that align with Michigan’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan.
“All schools benefit—and most importantly our students benefit—when educators get a chance to share strategies that are making a difference in Michigan classrooms,” said State Superintendent Dr. Glenn Maleyko. “MDE is pleased to spotlight the outstanding work of local districts so other school officials can learn from them and so they can be recognized for their contributions to students.”
Through Spotlighting Effective Strategies, MDE identifies innovations in local school districts and intermediate school districts and then tells the stories of the successful programs on the department’s website.
“Local educators never fail to impress me with their commitment to students and their innovative spirit,” said State Board of Education President Dr. Pamela Pugh. “We need to make the successes of our local schools visible so that all schools can see what is possible and learn from each other.”
Current initiatives being highlighted are in the categories of Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS), which provides educators with evidence-based professional learning on the Science of Reading; the Early Warning Intervention and Monitoring System, which addresses student attendance by helping students who need additional supports; CTE, which provides pathways aligned to high-demand careers and workforce needs; and Alternative Education, which is designed for students who may benefit from a different school setting.
Schools, districts and intermediate school districts recognized today, by category, were:
LETRS
Haviland Elementary School’s LETRS initiative involves collaboration by teachers at the school who have opened their classrooms for others to observe and shared their success stories during staff meetings, bringing buy-in at schools across the district.
“LETRS will leave a literacy legacy in Waterford for years to come,” said Darin Holley, Waterford School District assistant superintendent of PreK-5. “Not only has it provided us with a deep understanding of the Science of Reading, it has brought us shared language, understanding and a toolbox of strategies to support our students in becoming strong readers and writers. We have shown consistent growth in every grade level in every building for three consecutive years now, and we are encouraged and excited to see the difference we are making in the lives of our students."
Early Warning Intervention and Monitoring System
CTE
The Kalamazoo Regional Education Service Agency (KRESA) demonstrated the value of CTE to its community by creating the Career Connect Campus. The campus is the site of a state-of-the-art learning facility where students from across the county can participate in career exploration, skill development and postsecondary readiness through hands-on, industry-aligned learning that includes CTE programs.
"Career and technical education is essential because it helps students see a clear connection between what they are learning today and the opportunities available to them tomorrow,” said Dr. Dedrick Martin, superintendent of KRESA. “At KRESA, wehave made a significant commitment to expanding access to high-quality CTE experiences by working alongside business, industry, education and community partners to make the Career Connect Campus a reality, and provide a state-of-the-art learning environment designed around real workforce needs.
“Through innovative programming, industry-aligned pathways, and hands-on learning opportunities, students are gaining the skills, experiences, and credentials needed for their future success,” Martin said. “The Career Connect Campus is helping strengthen the talent pipeline for our region while empowering students to discover and pursue meaningful futures. It is a tremendous honor to be recognized at the state level reflecting the collective vision, collaboration, and investment of our partners, educators, and community, all working together to create transformational opportunities for the next generation."
The Sault Area Career Center has succeeded in developing programs to meet community needs. The graduation rate for students who participate in CTE at the Sault Area Career Center is 97.3%
“Sault Area Career Center empowers our students to turn their interests into opportunities by integrating academics with hands-on career preparation,” said Kellie Greener, CTE director and assistant principal of Sault Area Secondary School & Career Center. “We’ve intentionally expanded access and career exploration experiences so more students can develop the skills, confidence and credentials needed for success after graduation. We are proud to be recognized by the Michigan Department of Education and remain committed to ensuring all students are prepared to contribute to the economic growth and long-term sustainability of our region.”
Alternative Education
“Great work is happening in Michigan schools, and it deserves to be recognized and shared,” said Dave Carlson, an education consultant in the MDE Office of Strategic Planning & Implementation and one of the presenters at the State Board of Education meeting. “Spotlighting Effective Strategies elevates the work of districts and intermediate school districts so educators across Michigan can learn from one another, adapt successful approaches, and create better opportunities for students.”
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