July 18, 2025
Amanda Forrester / news@whmi.com
The Brighton Area School Board voted against continuing to pay for the Lucy Calkins reading method.
Calkins’ reading method, known as Units of Study for Teaching Reading, has faced controversy over its lack of “phonics focus.” Students are encouraged to find books that interest them, but many experts say phonics need to be the foundation of reading programs. Everything else should come after the basics, they say. According to board members, Calkins doesn’t use the method herself anymore.
Michigan’s reading levels have dipped in recent years, with 3rd graders scoring the lowest in a decade on the M-STEP, with only 39.6% being proficient or above for their grade. Brighton Area Schools also had 39.6% of their 3rd graders at or above the proficient level, according to data from mischooldata.org.
A number of factors for falling reading levels have been blamed, from schools switching to remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, to increased usage of technology, such as tablets and computers, for younger children and teacher shortages.
Districts across Michigan have implemented different reading curriculums to help their students with literacy. The state’s 3rd grade reading law, enacted in 2016, has faced a lot of controversy. Proponents say it’s a way to encourage early intervention for students who may fall behind in reading, but those who oppose the law said the focus becomes the test instead of reading comprehension. The law previously required students to be held back if they tested at least one grade level below the standard.
Board Secretary Angela Krebs said Assistant Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Mosher previously stated that Brighton wasn’t paying for or using the reading program as its current curriculum.
She also said giving teachers as many tools as possible to support the unique learning needs of each student is vital to their success. If some students do benefit from the program, it should be available for teachers.
The district is piloting a new reading program, according to Board President Roger Myers. The new program, the Science of Reading, complies with the new dyslexia law. The law, which takes effect for the next school year, requires testing of all kindergarten through 3rd grade students for dyslexia, as well as dyslexia identification and intervention training for teachers.
Trustee Alicia Urbain said the proposal wouldn’t end a teacher’s ability to utilize the program, just that the district would no longer be paying for it.
The proposal passed with a 6 to 1 vote.
The next board meeting is Aug. 11.
(photo credit: BAS via YouTube)