Saline School District approves UFLI curriculum for kindergarten through second grade

The Saline Area Schools Board of Education convened on April 8, 2025, to discuss significant curriculum updates and improvements aimed at enhancing literacy education for young learners. A key highlight of the meeting was the unanimous approval of the University of Florida Literacy Institute (UFLI) curriculum for kindergarten through second grade, which aims to provide a cohesive and equitable literacy program across all district schools.

Executive Director of Teaching and Learning, Cara Davis, emphasized the importance of this curriculum, noting that it represents a collaborative effort among teachers to pilot various resources and identify best practices in literacy education. Currently, the district lacks a unified curriculum, leading to disparities in student access to quality literacy instruction. The adoption of UFLI is expected to address these gaps and ensure that all students receive consistent and effective literacy education.

Board members expressed enthusiasm for the UFLI curriculum, highlighting its focus on phonics-based literacy, which aligns with current educational research advocating for such approaches as best practice. The curriculum will serve as the primary instructional tool for teachers, fostering a shared understanding and methodology across the district.

In addition to the curriculum approval, the board reviewed a mid-year report on the district's continuous improvement efforts. This report outlined the progress made in various academic areas, including the implementation of new math and science curricula, and the ongoing professional development for teachers. The district is committed to refining its educational strategies based on data-driven insights to enhance student outcomes.

The meeting also touched on social-emotional learning (SEL) initiatives, which are being integrated into the curriculum to support students' overall well-being. The board noted improvements in student engagement and attendance, reflecting the positive impact of SEL programs.

As Saline Area Schools moves forward, the focus remains on creating a supportive and effective learning environment for all students, ensuring they have the tools and resources necessary to succeed academically and socially. The board's decisions during this meeting are poised to significantly influence the educational landscape in Saline, fostering a more equitable and effective learning experience for its youngest learners.