September 25, 2008,  Flushing, MI:  EBLI teacher training and consulting services provided the foundation for a literacy mentoring program at Milan High School that was recently awarded the Michigan's Best award for excellence in education through innovative programs.  EBLI (Evidence-Based Literacy Instruction) is a system of research-based literacy strategies developed by Ounce of Prevention Reading Center in Flushing and implemented at all grade levels in schools.

 

The EBLI model used in Milan included teaching EBLI strategies to 11^th and 12^th grade students several days a week in class.  The students in turn taught the strategies to their 'reading buddies', 2^nd-4^th grade students, in the elementary schools one class period a week.   Dramatic increases were seen in the reading levels of both the high school mentors and the elementary reading buddies.   

 

The Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB) sponsors the annual competition that focuses on schools using excellent, creative, successful programs for students.  The Michigan's Best award is the top honor and is presented in nine different categories.  Milan's Elementary Reading Program won in the Improving Student Achievement in English Language Arts category. 

 

The winner in each category will receive $1,500 to further expand their program.  The staff at Ounce of Prevention Reading Center has been invited to attend the awards ceremony at the annual MASB conference at Grand Traverse Resort on November 1^st to help Milan celebrate their success with EBLI.

 

Please visit www.masb.com to learn more about the Michigan Association of School Boards Michigan's Best award and www.ebli.org to learn more about EBLI.