Events

Upcoming Virtual Initiatives

In inclusive schools, we celebrate that every student has unique strengths, challenges, and ways of learning. To help all students thrive, educators must respond at times with thoughtful accommodations and modifications that honor both the learner and the learning goals. 

Through this session, you will gain the mindset, language, and tools needed to implement effective accommodations and modifications in ways that uphold dignity and support meaningful inclusion. We’ll clarify the difference between accommodations and modifications, explore real-life classroom examples, and consider how to adjust curriculum, instruction, and assessment while maintaining high expectations for all. 

We invite you to see beyond compliance and task completion—and to consider how you can use accommodations and modifications to create a learning environment where each student can participate, grow, and belong. 

Are you looking to incorporate strategies into your classroom that provide students with effective and meaningful feedback? In this session, explore simple strategies designed to enhance student learning in your classroom. Make the most of your instructional time by using formative assessment strategies that are both timely and actionable.  

Take your reading instruction to the next level with this comprehensive 9-week series! Grounded in the latest research and best practices, this course provides a step-by-step approach to implementing evidence-based reading instruction in every classroom.

• Over the course of nine weeks, you’ll:

• Support academic and developmental growth with proven strategies

• Apply the latest research to real classroom challenges

• Guide every student on their journey to lifelong reading and learning

Session One | February 25, 2026 | 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.

During the kick-off session to this virtual cohort, participants will learn what the Science of Reading is and the importance of scientifically based reading research. We will explore the Simple View of Reading and the Reading Rope and how they are used to understand reading development, instructional needs, and reading concerns.

Session Two | March 4, 2026 | 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.

Becoming a More Effective Teacher of Reading and Writing

Session two will allow participants to explore research-based strategies for effective reading instruction, including oral language development, alphabet recognition, and print awareness. Learn how students acquire reading skills, the role of orthographic mapping, and the principles of explicit, systematic teaching to support literacy success.

Session Three | March 18, 2026 | 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.

Phonological and Phonemic Awareness

As we come back together for session three, we will gain a clear understanding of phonological awareness, phonemic awareness, and phonics. Explore their role in reading development, the connection between reading and spelling, and effective instructional strategies to support early literacy.

Session Four | March 25, 2026 | 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.

Phonics

During session four, we will jump into the building blocks of decoding and word recognition, including phonemes, graphemes, morphemes, and high-frequency words. Learn effective phonics instruction, the role of decodable texts, and the connection between reading and writing.

Session Five | April 1, 2026 | 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.

Fluency and Comprehension

Discover the key components of reading comprehension, including word and sentence understanding, background knowledge, and text structure. Explore the relationship between fluency and comprehension, the role of inference, and effective instructional strategies to build strong, skilled readers.

Session Six | April 8, 2026 | 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.

Vocabulary

Explore the critical link between vocabulary and comprehension. Learn research-based strategies for vocabulary development, including Tier 2 words, independent word learning, and fostering word consciousness to support student success.

Session Seven | April 15, 2026 | 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.

Writing

This session will cover the Simple View of Writing and the Writing Rope. Learn classroom practices and research-based principles for teaching composition, writing process, spelling skills, and syntax. We will also explore the relationship between reading and writing.

Session Eight | April 22, 2026 | 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.

Designing Instruction to Support Students’ Literacy Learning 

Learn how to apply research-based strategies in the classroom through effective grouping, differentiated instruction, and support for English Language Learners. Explore lesson planning, video analysis, and practical methods to enhance instructional delivery.

Session Nine | April 29, 2026 | 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.

Assessment, Instruction, and Intervention

Finally, we will explore Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), including prevention tiers, collaborative problem-solving, and targeted interventions. Learn how assessments inform instructional decisions and gain insights into supporting students with dyslexia.

This 9-week series is designed to gradually deepen your expertise, with each session building on the previous one. To make the most of this learning experience, participants are encouraged to attend all nine sessions.

In partnership with Lexia® Learning, the Michigan Equitable Service Collaborative (MESC) is exploring the possibility of providing an opportunity for educators to be trained in Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) (grades K–5). Developed by Dr. Louisa Moats and leaders in the field of literacy, LETRS teaches the skills needed to master the foundational and fundamentals of reading and writing instruction—phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and written language.

Learn more about LETRS and the Science of Reading at the links below:

• LETRS Professional Learning Overview

• LETRS Estimated Time Commitment By Unit

• LETRS Outcomes by Unit

The MESC is currently gauging interest in starting a second cohort for this long-term professional learning opportunity. If you are interested in participating or receiving more information about this opportunity, please complete the form linked below. Questions can be directed to Julie George.

IMPORTANT:

*This form is an interest form and not a registration form, which will allow MESC to determine if there is enough interest to form a second cohort. Only those who complete this form will be sent the registration link.

In this session, participants will learn how to apply principles from the science of learning to their K-12 mathematics classrooms. Building upon the foundation of effective practices, this session will focus on using precise mathematical language, guiding principles for what makes practice effective for student learning, and how teachers can prompt their students to make connections between mathematical concepts. Participants will leave with practical strategies to implement in their classrooms, principles to guide effective math instruction, and access to effective formative assessments to track student growth toward excellence mathematically. 

Curious about how AI can support, not replace, effective formative assessment practices? In this session, explore practical ways AI tools can help streamline feedback, surface student thinking, and save instructional time. Learn how to pair sound formative assessment strategies with AI to provide timely, actionable insights that support student learning.