Section 35a(2) of the FY 2027 State School Aid Act provides $52,500,000 for early literacy coaches at ISDs to assist teachers in developing and implementing instructional strategies for pupils in grades pre-K-5 so that pupils are reading at grade level by the end of grade 3.
Grant Application
The 2026-27 Section 35a(2) ISD Early Literacy Coach Grant application will open in NexSys in November 2026.
Each ISD is eligible to receive $125,000 per coach and must have a minimum of 4 early literacy coaches. Each ISD that already meets the 4-coach minimum is eligible to maintain their FY 26 allocation and automatically receive 1 additional coaching allocation. All additional coaching allocations will be distributed to ISDs based on the percentage of total statewide number of pupils in grades K to 3 who meet the income eligibility standards for the federal free and reduced-price lunch programs who are enrolled in districts within the ISD. ISDs eligible for additional funding will be contacted by MDE after the application closes.
- Section 35a(4) FAQ Document Updated 10/02/26
- Section 35a(4) Grant Assurances Updated 10/05/26
MDE Grant Contact
Please direct all inquiries to MDE-EarlyLiteracy@michigan.gov.