Name: Every Minute Matters: Building a WINN System That Transforms Literacy Outcomes
Start: 2026-11-20T10:15:00-0500
End: 2026-11-20T11:30:00-0500

Every Minute Matters: Building a WINN System That Transforms Literacy Outcomes

Friday November 20, 2026 10:15am - 11:30am EST

Many schools face a daunting reality: if a student is not reading on grade level by mid-first grade, their chances of catching up are as low as 0–12%. Facing stagnant data and a “waiting to fail” intervention model, Niles Community Schools embarked on a comprehensive transformation of their MTSS framework. This session highlights how two schools—Ballard Elementary and Eastside Connections—shifted from isolated “Islands of Intervention” to a cohesive, school-wide “Walk-to-Read” model, supported by a strong partnership with Rebecca Miles and Berrien RESA.

Participants will follow our multi-year journey, from the early stages of “building the plane while flying” with limited Tier 3 pull-outs to the implementation of adult flooding, student sharing, and data-driven WINN (What I Need Now) blocks. We will share strategies used to build staff buy-in, the transition from balanced literacy to structured literacy, and the measurable impact of these changes—including a 30% reduction in students performing well below benchmark in just one year.

The second half of the session is a hands-on workshop. Participants will apply their learning by building master schedules using provided templates and coaching frameworks developed in partnership with Berrien RESA. This work supports the implementation of a Walk-to-Read model that protects intervention time and ensures every student receives targeted instruction aligned to their needs.

Learning Objectives:

Participants will learn how to design and implement a schoolwide WINN (What I Need Now) intervention block that uses real-time data to drive flexible grouping and targeted instruction.
Participants will understand how to build sustainable MTSS systems through strategic scheduling, staff collaboration, and partnerships (such as with RESA) to move beyond a “waiting to fail” model.
Participants will leave with practical tools—including scheduling templates and planning frameworks—to create a Walk-to-Read model that ensures every student receives instruction aligned to their specific needs.

Speakers

Mary Kane

Reading Intervention Specialist, Niles Community Schools -Eastside Connections School

Mary Kane is a dedicated Reading Interventionist at Eastside Connections School with four decades of experience in the classroom. A native of Niles, Michigan, Ms. Kane’s passion for education began early, inspired by a childhood spent “teaching” the children in her neighborhood... Read More →

Rebecca Miles

Coach Coordinator/ELA Consultant, Berrien RESA

ELA Consultant

Melissa Miller

Reading Intervention Specialist, Niles Community Schools -Ballard Elementary

Melissa Miller is a Reading Intervention Specialist at Ballard Elementary in Niles Community Schools, where she supports students and staff in implementing evidence-based literacy practices grounded in the Science of Reading. She leads data-driven WINN (What I Need Now) intervention... Read More →

Jennifer Shabazz

Elementary Principal, Niles Community Schools -Ballard Elementary

Jennifer Shabazz is an educational leader with a strong background in both classroom instruction and school administration. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University, a Master’s degree from the University of Phoenix, and an administration licensure from Indiana... Read More →

Friday November 20, 2026 10:15am - 11:30am EST

Breakout Session

2026 MiMTSS Conference

Mary Kane

Rebecca Miles

Melissa Miller

Jennifer Shabazz

Get help with the event

2026 MiMTSS Conference

Mary Kane

Rebecca Miles

Melissa Miller

Jennifer Shabazz

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