In a recent meeting, officials from the Shawnee Mission School District highlighted significant advancements in literacy education, emphasizing a commitment to structured literacy based on the science of reading. The district has successfully trained over 450 teachers in the Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETTERS) program, which equips educators with the latest methodologies for teaching reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

Additionally, the district is one of only two in the state to provide specialized training for all district and building administrators in the LETTERS for Administrators program. This initiative aims to empower school leaders to effectively implement district-wide literacy initiatives.

The meeting also underscored the importance of standards alignment in curriculum development. Officials noted that all instructional materials and curriculum documents are aligned with state standards, a critical aspect of the district's curriculum and instruction efforts. Collaboration among curriculum coordinators, teachers, and instructional coaches is ongoing to ensure that curriculum maps reflect clear learning objectives and student outcomes.

These initiatives reflect the district's dedication to enhancing literacy instruction and ensuring that all students receive a high-quality education aligned with state expectations.