Milbrae School District presents comprehensive literacy goals in student achievement plan

The Millbrae Elementary School District (MESD) Board Meeting held on May 6, 2025, focused primarily on the School Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA), with a significant emphasis on literacy initiatives across the district. The meeting brought together educators, administrators, and board members to discuss strategies aimed at enhancing student literacy, a critical area of concern given the ongoing challenges in education.

Catherine Waslav, the Director of Educational Services, presented the district's literacy goals, which align with the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP). The primary objective is to improve literacy instruction for all students, particularly in the early grades. The district is implementing a structured literacy block that includes phonics, phonological awareness, fluency, and comprehension, with the aim of increasing proficiency levels annually. This year, the district has focused on professional learning centered around the science of reading, ensuring that all students have access to effective literacy instruction.

Each principal from the district highlighted their specific goals and actions related to literacy. For instance, Green Hills Elementary aims to increase reading proficiency by 5% through various initiatives, including a leveled school library and reading buddy programs. Meadows Elementary is focusing on the science of reading practices, with a goal of having 85% of students reading at or above benchmark levels. Spring Valley and Taylor Elementary Schools are also implementing targeted interventions and collaborative discussions among teachers to support struggling readers.

The board members expressed their support for the literacy initiatives, emphasizing the importance of data-driven approaches to identify and assist students who are at risk of falling behind. They acknowledged the collaborative efforts among schools and the positive impact of programs like Hegarty phonics, which have been well-received by both staff and students.

In addition to literacy, the meeting briefly touched on the upcoming adoption of a new elementary math curriculum, with a recommendation for McGraw Hill's program. This curriculum is expected to align with the district's goals of equity and high-quality instruction.

The discussions at the meeting underscored the district's commitment to improving literacy outcomes and fostering a love of reading among students. As the MESD moves forward, the focus will remain on implementing effective strategies and interventions to ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed academically. The board's enthusiasm for these initiatives suggests a strong collaborative effort to enhance educational outcomes in the Millbrae community.