Parents demand accountability from school board over unvetted ELA curriculum in Oregon

Concerns over the West Linn-Wilsonville School District's K-5 English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum took center stage during the Regular Board Meeting on October 7, 2024. A parent raised critical issues regarding the lack of proper vetting for the curriculum, which had been in place for nearly a decade without school board approval or adherence to the required Division 22 process mandated by the Oregon Department of Education (ODE).

The parent emphasized that despite teachers receiving training on new materials and a balanced literacy approach, there was no evidence of a committee reviewing research data or considering alternative curricula. This oversight is particularly concerning as it directly impacts students, especially those with learning difficulties. The parent shared a personal account of their two dyslexic children, who struggled with the previous curriculum and ultimately learned to read through private tutoring that utilized evidence-based methods.

Highlighting the importance of accountability, the parent urged the school board to acknowledge past mistakes and ensure that such oversights do not happen again. They pointed out that the district's requests for postponements regarding curriculum adoption were submitted late, further complicating compliance with state standards.

The parent also referenced a formal complaint filed with the ODE regarding Division 22 assurances, noting that a resolution is not expected until April 2025. They called on the school board to review the materials provided by the ODE and to take their role in ensuring accountability seriously.

As the meeting progressed, the board was reminded of its critical responsibility to uphold educational standards and support all students in the district. The discussions underscored the need for transparency and adherence to established processes to foster an equitable learning environment for every child.