In accordance with Section 164k(e) of the State School Aid Act, Four Corners Montessori Academy is issuing this notice regarding its K–5 literacy curriculum.
The district’s current K–5 literacy curriculum, North American Montessori Center (NAMC) Language Arts Curriculum, is not included on the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) Recommended Literacy Materials List. Under Section 164k(e), curricula not included on this list are not designated by MDE as “evidence-based or aligned to state standards” through the recommended list process, “which could negatively impact student academic outcomes”.
Michigan law and MDE guidance (MDE Memo), does not require districts to select a curriculum from the MDE list. The list is not exhaustive and represents one method for demonstrating alignment.
Four Corners Montessori Academy has conducted a local review process and maintains documentation indicating that its literacy curriculum is evidence-based and aligned to the science of reading, including systematic and explicit instruction in phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension, consistent with MCL 380.1280f and MCL 388.1764k.
The district will continue to monitor literacy instruction, student data, and guidance from the MDE as part of its regular curriculum review cycle. Any future curriculum changes will be communicated to families.