In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the ongoing efforts to enhance literacy across the community, emphasizing the importance of the REED Act—Reading to Ensure Academic Development Act. This legislation, initially passed in 2023 and revised in 2024, aims to ensure that every child reads at or above grade level starting from kindergarten, with a particular focus on supporting multilingual learners and students with special education needs.

The meeting highlighted the district's commitment to achieving these literacy goals through comprehensive professional development for educators. Various training programs have been implemented, including structured literacy training through partnerships with the University of Minnesota and the Online Language and Literacy Academy (OLA). These programs are designed not only for English Language Arts teachers but also for educators across subjects such as social studies, math, and science, reinforcing the idea that all teachers play a role in literacy instruction.

Participants noted that the training consists of both synchronous and asynchronous components, totaling approximately 45 to 54 hours. Feedback from staff has been overwhelmingly positive, with many reporting a deeper understanding of how children learn to read. The district has strategically utilized funding from the REED Act literacy aid to support these initiatives, alongside other professional development resources.

As the district continues to implement these programs, officials expressed optimism about the potential impact on student literacy outcomes, reinforcing their commitment to fostering a culture of reading and learning within the community.