District adopts Benchmark Advance curriculum for K-3 reading program overhaul

The Niskayuna Central School District is set to enhance its reading curriculum for elementary students with the adoption of the Benchmark Advance program, following a thorough review process by district educators. This decision, made during the Board of Education meeting on March 25, 2025, aims to align the district's reading instruction with the latest research on effective literacy practices.

The new curriculum is part of a broader initiative led by Governor Hochul, emphasizing a shift from balanced literacy to structured literacy. This approach focuses on foundational skills such as phonics, phonemic awareness, vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency—elements deemed essential for reading success. The district's previous programs, Heggerty and Foundations, have laid a strong groundwork, particularly for students in kindergarten through third grade, and the transition to Benchmark Advance is expected to build on this foundation.

Educators highlighted the importance of a comprehensive program that not only meets the needs of diverse learners—including multilingual students and those with disabilities—but also engages all students through a balanced mix of fiction and nonfiction texts. The Benchmark Advance program is designed to provide quality tier 1 instruction while allowing for differentiation in small group settings, ensuring that all students receive the support they need, whether they require remediation or enrichment.

The committee responsible for selecting the new curriculum conducted extensive research, including site visits to other districts already implementing similar programs. Their findings indicated that Benchmark Advance would effectively address the district's literacy gaps and provide a cohesive learning experience across grades K-5.

As the district prepares for the rollout of this new curriculum, professional development opportunities will be provided to teachers to ensure a smooth transition. The focus will initially be on mastering whole group instruction, with plans to refine small group strategies in subsequent years. This phased approach aims to mitigate the challenges often associated with implementing new educational programs.

Overall, the adoption of Benchmark Advance represents a significant step forward in the Niskayuna Central School District's commitment to improving literacy outcomes for all students, ensuring they are equipped with the skills necessary for academic success.