Alpena Teachers Pilot 'Science of Reading' Program, See Student Success

Ella White Elementary implements University of Florida Literacy Institute method to boost reading skills

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Alpena Public Schools is piloting a 'science of reading' program called the University of Florida Literacy Institute (UFLI) at Ella White Elementary, and teachers are reporting significant improvements in student reading abilities. The UFLI method focuses on explicit, systematic instruction in key reading components like phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. All kindergarten through second grade classrooms at Ella White are now using UFLI, with one first grade teacher who piloted it last year seeing her students make major strides in reading.

Why it matters

Improving reading proficiency is a major priority for Alpena Public Schools, as the district has struggled with low state test scores in reading. The UFLI program aligns with new dyslexia legislation in Michigan that will take effect in the 2027-2028 school year, requiring explicit phonics instruction. If successful, the UFLI pilot could serve as a model for expanding the program district-wide.

The details

The UFLI method involves 30-minute daily lessons with eight components: visual and auditory drills, blending, new concept introduction, word work and dictation, and connected text. Teachers also conduct weekly assessments to gauge student understanding and tailor small group instruction accordingly. Ella White Principal Meaghan Black shared that one kindergarten teacher who was initially skeptical of UFLI saw her students start reading much earlier than normal after just a couple months of the program.

  • The UFLI pilot began last school year in one first grade classroom at Ella White Elementary.
  • This school year, all kindergarten through second grade classrooms at Ella White are using the UFLI method.
  • Alpena Public Schools will receive grant funding to implement UFLI district-wide by the 2026-2027 school year.
  • Michigan's new dyslexia legislation requiring explicit phonics instruction will take effect in the 2027-2028 school year.

The players

Meaghan Black

Principal of Ella White Elementary School.

Lori Stoen

First grade teacher at Ella White Elementary who piloted the UFLI program last school year.

Alpena Public Schools

The school district in Alpena, Michigan that is piloting the UFLI 'science of reading' program.

University of Florida Literacy Institute (UFLI)

The provider of the 'science of reading' instructional method being used in the Alpena pilot program.

Gretchen Whitmer

The Governor of Michigan who signed legislation requiring explicit phonics instruction, which the UFLI program aligns with.

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What they’re saying

“UFLI has given my students the chance to be involved and engaged when learning how to read. They enjoy the task repetition from lesson to lesson that allows them to practice new reading/spelling patterns with ease! UFLI has led to some amazing word discussions in my classroom this year and I look forward to seeing their growth at the end of the year!”

— Lori Stoen, First grade teacher

“All of the sudden, the kids just started, it was clicking, 'they're reading, they've never read this early in kindergarten before!' She was so excited.”

— Meaghan Black, Principal

What’s next

Alpena Public Schools will receive grant funding to implement the UFLI 'science of reading' program district-wide by the 2026-2027 school year, ahead of Michigan's new dyslexia legislation taking effect in 2027-2028.

The takeaway

The success of the UFLI pilot at Ella White Elementary demonstrates that explicit, systematic reading instruction can significantly boost student literacy, even among the youngest learners. As Alpena expands the program, it could serve as a model for other districts looking to improve reading proficiency and meet new state requirements.