United Way Partner Program:
Reading Corps
Michigan Education Corps (MEC) will deploy 5 Early Learning Corps (ELC) Interventionists at Muskegon Public Schools. At Muskegon Heights Public School Academy, MEC will deploy 2 ELC Interventionists and 2 Reading Corps (RC) interventionists.
ELC is an AmeriCorps program that provides preschool classrooms with trained tutors (also called Interventionists) to support the literacy and numeracy development of children ages 3-5 in the classroom. Interventionists assist teachers in implementing a literacy and math rich learning environment by providing scripted evidence-based literacy and numeracy interventions in small groups and 1:1. Literacy interventions target rhyming, alliteration, letter sounds, letter names, and picture naming (vocabulary). Numeracy interventions target subitizing, object counting, counting based comparisons, number after knowledge, mental comparisons, and composing and decomposing.
All students receive supplemental early literacy/numeracy support during Tier 1 from the Interventionist. Children whose data indicate a need for additional support are eligible for Tier 2 (small group) or Tier 3 (individualized) instruction using evidence-based early literacy/numeracy strategies.
MEC RC Interventionists serve students K-3 to help them become better readers by using scripted interventions and assessments. Interventions provided focus on phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, and comprehension. Interventionists work with students 1-on-1 or in pairs for 20 minutes daily until they reach their grade level reading targets.
A school staff member ( Internal Coach) is also trained in ELC/RC and supports tutors throughout the year. An MEC ELC/RC Coaching Specialist supports both the Internal Coach and tutors. Tutors and Internal Coaches receive training in scripted reading interventions, along with equity and social-emotional learning content, and early literacy screening and progress monitoring. ELC training also includes numeracy content and assessment. Interventions for students are selected based on individual data by Internal Coaches and MEC Coaching Specialists.
Eligible RC students include K-3 students who are scoring “below target” on benchmark assessment probes administered by the tutors and students who need high-dosage, reading skill practice versus intensive reading instruction. Students receiving Title I, special education, or English Language services are eligible as determined by the Internal Coach in collaboration with the MEC Coaching Specialist.
Math Corps:
Launched in 2017, Hope Network's Michigan Education Corps (MEC) Math Corps aims to close Michigan's math achievement gap through high impact math skill intervention for students in grades 4-8. Modeled after the Minnesota Math Corps’ highly successful program, MEC Math Corps utilizes AmeriCorps members as highly trained Interventionists who deliver targeted evidence-based math interventions to students in grades 4-8, focusing on foundational math skills necessary for students to be successful in algebra by the end of 8th grade. These skills include (a) conceptual understanding, (b) math computation, and (c) word problem solving. Michigan Education Corps’ Math Corps interventions complement the schools' existing math curricula and align to both Michigan Mathematics Standards and evidence-based recommendations for math intervention.
MEC Math Corps delivers 90 minutes of weekly intervention to small groups of two to three students, focusing on enhancing foundational math skills crucial for long-term academic success and preparation for algebra. The program provides scripted inventories to guide the delivery of services.
Each grade level within the program follows a unique scope and sequence that aligns with the Michigan Mathematics Standards. The MEC Math Corps program model incorporates formative assessments to assist Interventionists in determining the appropriate starting point, identifying when additional practice is necessary, and signaling when it's time to progress to the next skill.
At the core of MEC Math Corps are AmeriCorps members, also called "Interventionists," who serve deliver direct intervention service to kids in schools during the school day. These Interventionists complete week-long initial training to administer a comprehensive Tier 2 program including assessment and intervention. MEC Math Corps is specifically designed for students who have not yet met grade-level targets in math providing them with additional opportunities to practice essential skills for improved access to core instruction. Interventionists receive ongoing support from a program coach (Coaching Specialist) and a staff member at the partnering site (Internal Coach). Interventionists dedicate their support to students during the school day outside of core instruction times.
About the Hope Network & Michigan Education Corps:
Headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Hope Network (HN) serves more than 30,000 people every year. Since 1963, HN has been committed to supporting under-served individuals such as those with mental illnesses, neurological injuries, and developmental disabilities. The mission of HN is: In Christian service, Hope Network empowers people to overcome challenges to achieve their highest level of independence. The vision of HN on a corporate level is to be a nationally recognized provider of solutions for the individuals and communities we serve. HN is committed to continually evaluating community needs and responding to these needs through the development of innovative services and solutions. The development of Michigan Education Corps (MEC) exemplifies this commitment.
In 2012, the Michigan Community Service Commission reached out to Hope Network to expand the successful Minnesota Reading Corps program in MI. In 2015, MEC piloted the Early Learning Corps in partnership with UWL and Muskegon County. In 2017, MEC began Math Corps for students in grades 4-8. The mission of MEC is to empower Michigan kids to reach their highest level of academic achievement in reading and math. Initially implemented in four schools, MEC currently operates the Reading Corps, Early Learning Corps, and Math Corps. Since 2012, more than 23,000 students have been served and 95% of students exceeded their target growth rates. MEC seeks to grow each year to meet Michigan's literacy and math needs.
