Some Muskegon students struggling with reading now have access to a new approach to improving literacy rates.
Beyond Basics is partnering with
Muskegon Public Schools to bring one-on-one tutoring to classrooms.
The collaboration is part of a $12 million state-funded pilot program aimed at addressing Michigan’s literacy crisis. For Beyond Basics, this partnership represents an opportunity to expand its proven literacy programs beyond its established base in Detroit Public Schools, where it has been a partner for more than two decades.
Beyond Basics uses an intensive tutoring model focused on individual needs. The program, which involves daily tutoring sessions, has helped thousands of students in Metro Detroit move up to or beyond grade-level reading proficiency. Now, it’s being used in Muskegon’s Bunker Elementary, Oakview Elementary, and Charles Hackley Middle School.
“We trialed them at Bunker Elementary, and it worked really well,” says Alecia Hoppa, Muskegon Public Schools’ Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) coordinator. “The tutors were easy to work with, and their support has been impactful. Now, we’re expanding to Oakview and the middle school starting next semester.”
Personalized, intensive
Michigan has long faced challenges in improving literacy rates, with many students reading below grade level. Recognizing Beyond Basics’ success, the Michigan Department of Education funded the organization to expand its programs to three regions, including Muskegon County.
“Our program is personalized, one-on-one, and intensive. It’s not the typical way to address literacy challenges, but it’s incredibly effective,” says Katie Nienstedt, Beyond Basics’ senior director and customer account manager. “We’re thrilled to bring our program to Muskegon schools.”
Nienstedt, who has been with the Farmington Hills nonprofit for five years, is focused on bringing the program to new districts and establishing opportunities to serve more students.
"Our mission is to set the gold standard for reading proficiency, proving that personalized, intensive programs like ours offer a real solution to the literacy crisis,” Nienstedt says. “Our goal is to demonstrate that this approach is effective, regardless of the community or school district.”
Beyond Basics started over 20 years ago as an effort to support students in Detroit. Pamela Good, co-founder and CEO, began by organizing coat drives for children but quickly shifted focus when she realized many students lacked foundational literacy skills.
Recognizing that reading was key to unlocking potential, Good developed a tutoring model to help students struggling with reading. Today, Beyond Basics is a leading literacy nonprofit, helping students achieve and surpass grade-level proficiency while staying true to its mission of transforming lives through literacy.
The need for literacy intervention extends far beyond academic performance. Reading proficiency is closely tied to long-term success in school and life, making early intervention critical.
“We know what happens to students when they hit high school if they can’t read,” Hoppa says. “Addressing those gaps early is critical so they can access content in high school and beyond. Having partnerships like this allows us to bring in supports we wouldn’t be able to fund ourselves.”
Giving students tools
Beyond Basics begins with a one-on-one assessment conducted by a certified teacher to determine where each student is in their reading journey. Tutors then create an individualized literacy plan.
“Our program focuses on meeting students where they are and helping them move forward,” Nienstedt says. “It’s about creating measurable outcomes and giving students the tools they need to succeed.”
On average, high school students who complete the program advance two grade levels in reading proficiency within 10 weeks. Elementary and middle school students experience similar results.
While Beyond Basics’ curriculum is rooted in well-known phonics and literacy programs such as Orton-Gillingham, the organization’s success lies in how the curriculum is delivered. Tutors work with students individually, allowing them to focus entirely on the student’s needs.
“If I did anything five days a week for an hour a day, I’d probably get pretty good at it,” Nienstedt says. “That’s the power of consistent, intensive tutoring.”
Training local tutors
The nonprofit first piloted its program in Muskegon during a summer school session two years ago. The initial engagement involved a small group of students and delivered promising results.
“We started small to see how the program would work, and it exceeded our expectations,” Hoppa says. “Since then, we’ve built a great partnership with Beyond Basics, and they’ve been very accommodating in working with our schools.”
Beyond Basics’ expansion in Muskegon includes recruiting and training local tutors.
“We recently trained 24 tutors from the Muskegon area, and the feedback has been fantastic,” says Nienstedt, noting tutors complete a rigorous two-week training program before stepping into classrooms.
“This is not just about academics,” Nienstedt says. “It’s about helping students build confidence and develop skills that will serve them for the rest of their lives.”
Reading proficiency by the third grade is a key indicator of future academic success.
“K through 3 is where we learn to read, but by fourth grade, students are expected to read to learn,” Nienstedt says. “If they miss those foundational years, it’s incredibly difficult for them to catch up later.”
Hoppa says the focus is on supporting students before the gaps become too large to close.
“We want our kids to feel confident and have the skills they need to succeed. This program and the additional support it provides are helping us move closer to that goal.”
Spreading success
Beyond Basics hopes the success of its programs in Muskegon and other regions will inspire broader adoption of intensive literacy interventions.
“Our goal is to demonstrate that personalized, intensive programs like ours are a real solution to the literacy crisis,” Nienstedt says. “We want to show that this approach works, no matter the community or school district.”
For Hoppa, the partnership with Beyond Basics is personal. After starting her career as a high school science teacher in Muskegon, she now leads efforts to bring innovative solutions to the district.
“Coming back in this role has been a full-circle moment for me,” Hoppa says. “It’s different, but it’s also very special to contribute to the district in a new way.”
The next phase includes adding services to additional schools and analyzing data from the first round of assessments.
“This is a great opportunity to gather valuable data and insights,” Hoppa says. “We’re excited to see the progress our students make and to continue building on this partnership.”
For more information about Beyond Basics and its programs, visit
www.beyondbasics.org.