The Literacy Leader Network

Building Systemwide Capacity for Literacy Improvement

The Michigan Literacy Leader Network (LLN) is a model designed to strengthen literacy across entire school systems. Rooted in the Literacy Essentials, LLN helps leaders and educators build the collective capacity needed for lasting, systemwide improvement.

At its core, the LLN employs a four-phase process that fosters coherence, clarity, and a systems-wide approach to capacity building and change.

How the Literacy Leader Network Works

Through this model, leaders and systems build capacity by:

• Focusing on a Problem of Practice – Identifying a clear challenge that drives schoolwide focus and commitment.

• Planning for Implementation – Creating detailed action plans with defined roles, responsibilities, and 12-week inquiry cycles to measure progress.

• Building Shared Agreements – Establishing “Look Fors” and a common Literacy Framework to unify efforts.

• Monitoring & Assessing Progress – Using assessment audits, monthly leadership self-assessments, and walkthroughs to guide adjustments and support teacher growth.

Why It Matters

Literacy coaching is powerful—but not enough on its own. To see meaningful gains in student achievement, districts must also:

• Empower principals as instructional leaders

• Create systemic supports for teaching and learning

• Build organizational conditions that strengthen and amplify coaching

The LLN ensures these conditions are in place, helping schools move beyond isolated coaching efforts to sustainable, systemwide literacy growth.

Why the Model Works

• Traditional change efforts often rely on compliance or incentives, assuming people need pressure to change.
• The Literacy Leader Network takes a different approach—focusing on building capacity within systems. We assume that educators are already mission-driven and motivated, and success stems from providing them with the proper support, structures, and tools.

This capacity-driven approach ensures change is not only implemented but also understood, adapted, and sustained.

The result? A network of leaders and schools equipped to drive meaningful literacy improvement—together.

See our work: