Incorporated in 2002, Beyond Basics is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit working to eradicate illiteracy, transforming the lives of students and creating stronger communities. Our program provides a diagnostic assessment followed by one-on-one, phonics-based, multisensory tutoring that combines the Orton-Gillingham prescriptive approach with fine arts activities essential for building vocabulary and comprehension. It’s hourlong, daily, highest dosage tutoring that cultivates curiosity, encourages a love of learning, and delivers results: we see students achieve grade-level movement in an average of six weeks.
Illiteracy is the Most Solvable Epidemic in the United States
Society is counting on getting education right for our students, and this starts with literacy. We are dedicated to helping generations of young people succeed as readers, and we take great pride in their accomplishments. With literacy, a world of opportunity opens to them, and they can transform their lives and communities.
Joique Bell starts literacy initiative in Benton Harbor
Joique Bell, former Benton Harbor High School football standout and Detroit Lions running back, is on a mission to tackle the literacy problem in his hometown in partnership with Beyond Basics. Watch the video to hear Joique's heart on the issue, as well as learn more about the problem and our proven solution. Literacy is for everyone.
Latest News
Opinion: We have to get loud to solve Michigan's literacy crisis
Across our great state, students who struggle to read are showing up to school each and every day — the child who suddenly excuses himself when called upon to read aloud, and another whose antics
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Letter: Solve the growing literacy gap
If there is any silver lining, it is that the students who have recently fallen behind are shining a light on those who have been reading below grade level for decades. We refer to these students
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OPINION: To combat illiteracy post-pandemic, we must reimagine the ways and places where reading happens
Reading can change lives. “Books are sometimes windows, offering views of worlds that may be real or imagined, familiar or strange. … When lighting conditions are just right, however, a window
...What We Do
Our school-embedded program includes:
- Woodcock Mastery diagnostic student assessment with a certified Michigan teacher
- individualized, one-on-one, phonics-based, multisensory literacy instruction from trained, staff tutors
- a curriculum that combines Orton-Gillingham methodology with fine arts activities
Student Assessment
Each student’s reading skills are evaluated by a Michigan certified teacher who writes a prescription to guide the student-tutor relationship.
Hands-On Learning
Students use a multisensory tile board, giving them a hands-on experience in their pursuit of reading.
Individualized Tutoring
Trained tutors support students as they work one-on-one, one hour a day, building on existing skills to unlock the power of reading.
Expanding Horizons
Story writing and publishing, fine arts projects, plus lessons from the lives of leaders build essential comprehension and vocabulary as we connect students to the world.
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Sponsor a Child
Every individual has the power to help tackle challenges even as complex as the literacy crisis in education.
We encourage all who are interested in making a difference in the lives of Detroit area students to inquire about the many ways to get involved with Beyond Basics. Coworkers, friends, book clubs, church groups, sports teams, and more are all invited to volunteer and to generously support our literacy efforts, and in so doing, forever change the life of a student in Detroit.
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Be the Solution
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18000 West Nine Mile Road
Suite 450
Southfield, MI 48075
Contact Us
248-250-9304
Fax: 248-996-9577