Plainfield District plans new literacy initiatives based on Illinois comprehensive literacy plan

The Plainfield School District 202 PSD202 Committee convened on April 16, 2025, to discuss the implementation of the Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan, a significant initiative aimed at enhancing literacy instruction across the district. The meeting began with introductions from the administration, including key personnel such as Tim Elboros and Liz Massaro, followed by a lack of public comments.

The primary focus of the meeting was to outline the goals of the state-released literacy plan, which emphasizes three main areas: ensuring every student receives high-quality, evidence-based literacy instruction; preparing and supporting educators to deliver this instruction; and equipping leaders to maintain equitable conditions for effective literacy teaching. The committee acknowledged that the plan, a comprehensive 294-page document, would be reviewed in segments over the coming months.

The discussion highlighted the importance of aligning local practices with state expectations while maintaining the district's autonomy to adapt strategies based on local data and needs. The administration emphasized that while the state provides a framework, the district has the flexibility to tailor its approach to literacy instruction, ensuring it meets the unique needs of its students.

Data from the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) indicated that while the district's performance is above state averages, there is a commitment to continuous improvement. The committee discussed the necessity of evidence-based practices in literacy instruction, which should be explicit, systematic, and responsive to student needs. This includes addressing literacy components such as phonological awareness, vocabulary, and comprehension across all grade levels, including upper grades where reading instruction is often overlooked.

Immediate next steps include completing a state-required literacy survey, applying for funding to support professional development, and developing a district-specific literacy plan. The committee plans to engage teachers in a literacy leadership committee and incorporate literacy goals into school improvement plans for the upcoming year.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to ongoing communication with the community and a focus on professional development to enhance teaching practices. The administration expressed optimism about the district's direction in literacy education, recognizing the need for continuous growth and adaptation in teaching methodologies.