Telegram - Serving Metropolitan Detroit Since 1944

ECORSE, Mich. – (Oct. 20, 2023) – Students at Bunche Elementary are receiving extra in-person academic support this school year as a partnership between Hope Network Michigan Education Corps (MEC), AmeriCorps, the Ecorse School District and State Legislators. The MEC brings its high-impact tutoring programming to more than 120 schools throughout the state, serving students aged three through eighth grade who require academic intervention.

Last month, representatives from the partnerships gathered at Ecorse's Ralph J. Bunche Elementary School to witness firsthand. Marcie Gould, MEC Lead Reading Corps Interventionist and Javion (a 3rd grade student) demonstrated the Duet reading exercise. The attendees witnessed how that one exercise improved Jay'veon's reading skills in one session. Exercises like that are performed with the students everyday for 20 minutes in a one on one session with the Interventionist. Holly Windram, Executive Director, MEC, explained that each student is evaluated and their learning plan is researched based. The techniques are evidence based and they go strictly by the data when determining what each student needs to improve. Many students have transitioned through the program and are reading proficiently. One student is JayAnthony, Jay'Veon's brother, who now attends Grand Port Academy and is reading proficiently. He is a confident reader and is a member of the Student Council.

When Principal Sonya Williams was asked why she thinks the Reading Corp program is important, she responded, "It's not that I think that is important, the program is necessary. In order for us to close the reading gap, we have to 'chunk' at it. If we are expecting teachers to be able to close the gap for 30 kids at one time, we're never going to close the gap. Which means we never will get kids to proficiency. My goal is to get every kid in this building to proficiency. But it is step by step process. The Reading Corp program is phenomenal." They have created a board to picture each student that have transitioned through the program.

The boys' parents, Anthony Dubre and Jalisa Williams says that their sons love to read and they have seen a big improvement in their reading levels. Anthony said, 'They are always reading on their phones and they even ask us to buy them books. Jalisa said,"Jay'Veon loves to read out loud to me."

Jay'Veon shows his big brother Jay'Anthony and his parents Anthony and Jalisa his area and introduces them to his Interventionist, Ms. Marge.

Ecorse Superintendent, Dr. Josha Talison brought the Reading Corp Program to the school district two years ago. He said, since having the program, they have seen an increase in their reading scores. "The Reading Corp is part of our toolkit and is one thing that has helped us to make extended growth. Over the last couple of years, we have been top five in the County for reading and growth in third grade. This foundation has helped us to have sustained success throughout the district in the 3rd, 4th and 5th grades. We used the Extended Class Time Grant over the past five years to pay for the program." Senator Darrin Camllieri was instrumental in getting the monies for the program and more funding is needed to expand the program, have more Reading Corp Interventionist and reach more children.

"If students can't read or do basic math, their entire academic career – and the life that follows – suffers as a result," said Holly Windram, Executive Director of Hope Network Michigan Education Corps. "By combining the people power of AmeriCorps with proven education strategies, our evidence-based program is successfully addressing one of our nation's most critical priorities-education."

Since its launch in 2012, Hope Network MEC has made a significant impact, benefiting over 22,000 students.

About Hope Network:

Hope Network is a non-profit organization that provides healthcare and life services across Michigan. Through a faith-centered mission, Hope Network goes to incredible lengths to help people overcome the physical, social, or mental barriers standing in their way.