Reading Horizons® Discovery is now a verified, science-of-reading-aligned resource that meets Michigan’s rigorous standards for foundational literacy instruction.
Reading Horizons, a trusted leader in structured literacy for more than 40 years, today announced that Reading Horizons® Discovery has been approved for inclusion on the Michigan Department of Education’s (MDE) list of Evidence-Based Tier-1, Class-Wide Elementary Reading Curricula for Foundational Skills and Word Recognition. This designation means Michigan educators can confidently use Reading Horizons® Discovery as an evidence-based, state-approved curriculum for foundational literacy instruction.
“Michigan’s strong commitment to early literacy sets a powerful example for students and educators alike,” said Trisha Thomas, president at Reading Horizons. “Being named a Tier 1, evidence-based curriculum by a state with such rigorous literacy standards validates our science-of-reading approach and reinforces our mission to equip educators with tools that help every child become a confident reader.”
This approval follows MDE’s release of the state-approved curricula required by Public Act 146 of 2024, a landmark literacy and dyslexia law aimed at improving early literacy achievement across the state. Under Public Act 146, the MDE is required to provide districts with evidence-based curricula that research has shown to improve literacy outcomes. By selecting from this approved list, districts ensure they use materials that directly support Goal 2 of Michigan’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan: improving early literacy achievement.
“Improving literacy is my top priority in putting Michigan Students First,” said State Superintendent Dr. Glenn Maleyko in MDE’s announcement. “We also need to use research-based reading curricula in our schools to improve literacy outcomes and increase student achievement.”
With four public districts and four private school systems in Michigan already using Reading Horizons® Discovery, the region is poised to replicate the exceptional success seen in neighboring Ohio.
Data from Ohio’s Tipp City Exempted Village Schools demonstrates how the program drives measurable literacy growth. After 3 years of using Reading Horizons, the district reported that 71% of students moved from off-track to on-track during the transition from 1st to 2nd grade. Additionally, ELA state proficiency scores soared across upper elementary grades:
- 3rd Grade: 85% reading proficiently
- 4th Grade: 86% reading proficiently
- 5th Grade: 92% reading proficiently
To learn more about Reading Horizons® Discovery, visit: https://readinghorizons.com/reading-curriculum/elementary-reading-curriculum/
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