Through this funding, educators will receive specialized Math Recovery training, helping young learners build a strong foundation for future success.

Kalamazoo RESA (KRESA) has been awarded $3.55 million from the Michigan Department of Education as part of a statewide initiative to improve mathematics teaching and learning. This funding, drawn from the $25 million allocated by the State of Michigan through Section 388.1623h of the State School Aid Act, will support Math Recovery training for K-5 teachers and specialists across Michigan. Math Recovery is an asset-based approach to teaching that focuses on understanding each student's mathematical thinking and helping them advance through individualized learning strategies.

KRESA’s application was chosen as one of 16 successful proposals from more than 100 submissions. The application was developed in collaboration with 32 intermediate school districts (ISDs), 77 school districts and 166 school buildings. The project, supported by a MiSTEM Advisory Council grant from Michigan’s MiSTEM Network, will empower over 2,000 educators to improve early mathematics instruction. KRESA will serve as the fiscal agent, managing the grant through September 2025.

The grant will support three key objectives:

• Math Recovery training for K-5 teachers 
• Training for Math Recovery Specialists who support K-5 students 
• The creation of a statewide network to foster expertise in mathematics teaching and learning 

“This grant is a testament to the hard work and progress the ‘Michigan M in STEM Collaborative’ has led over the past three years,” said Dr. Diane Owen-Rogers, the Collaborative’s lead and Director of Culture and Belonging at KRESA. “We are excited to help lead this important effort to provide educators with the tools and training needed to improve math outcomes for young learners statewide.” Owen-Rogers, along with Mike Vallier, KRESA Math Consultant and Project Manager for the Michigan M in STEM Collaborative, spearheaded the effort to unite stakeholders from across the state.  

With the significant support of this grant, KRESA and its partners will play a key role in increasing the capacity of educators and specialists to improve early math achievement in Michigan. This initiative aligns with KRESA’s commitment to improving student outcomes and supporting teachers with innovative resources, ensuring that all learners have the foundation they need for future success.