[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6248449,"mediaKeyId","3210774-c69d54f0d2d840c87909deaa3d065f93","parentId",3210774,"title","U‑46 proposes districtwide elementary library/media curriculum to expand digital literacy","audioSeconds",107,"startMs",7667000,"endMs",7774000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3210774-c69d54f0d2d840c87909deaa3d065f93&start=7667&end=7774","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3210774-c69d54f0d2d840c87909deaa3d065f93/thumbnail_7667000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6248449/Illinois/U46-proposes-districtwide-elementary-librarymedia-curriculum-to-expand-digital-literacy","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6248449-56a963c048aa20c29c00c39f13013bea/orig.mp4?Expires=1775151175&Signature=bza~q2ZEzlYW9y1t2eCc7L8n1ohMbdBqce73tyYyio3776rZINr47I49DEwnxqrYf9x-bg3OrdhovUUppKMCPAm44vsnfIB0U3oAloioiw2th3iv1r~GU9dftqLhHzDJgNNRoM0Q4fb0huJRGjFxn5uwec4WLjvMzFIESFI2yYUGSnT3kCnxgliuOTim0i7hPq3ffa2vmHu~kL-UhcEjnyVGiLwsF-H4MwOgOjnqn6bKy1DYF760DpuseCvctAWHXkTVAv2EryKWOcSg8wy-PbhDJ-8dZzc4mJG8NW4egoO-wj-c93XKZIp73Y8Zx4rpSIS3e9GagpZ3kJqy6Gzv4g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","SD U-46","date","2025-05-07T14:00:57.227Z","article","School District U‑46 staff presented a proposal May 5 to adopt a districtwide elementary library and media curriculum and to offer digital-literacy specials at all elementary sites beginning in 2025–26.

Presenters said the work responds to updated Illinois computer literacy and computer science standards (Public Act 101‑0654 was referenced) and to a district decision to expand the special to all 38 elementary sites; the curriculum team includes 10 teachers who piloted versions of the program. The proposal’s instructional sequence includes three units per grade (innovative designer, creative communicator and computational thinker), with coding introduced through unplugged sequencing and culminating projects using classroom robots and maker tools. Recommended materials include low‑tech maker supplies, classroom robots and subscription digital tools such as Sphero, Book Creator, Screencastify and Padlet; the plan would also expand collection development and equitable library materials across the district.

Implementation would use district collaboration days and a reserved summer session for PD, site‑based coaching, and asynchronous vendor modules. Presenters said many resources are already in use at ten pilot sites and that the district will provide professional learning and monitoring through observation and assessment data. The presentation listed equipment, digital resource and consumable totals in a combined “grand total” for the line items; the district did not clarify the figure on the record during the meeting.

Why it matters: the change would place digital-literacy instruction in every elementary school and require equipment, consumables and additional instructional staffing in some sites. Board members asked about staffing, multilingual access and how the district will handle AI; presenters said most materials work on Chromebooks and that platforms have multilingual toggles, and that AI guidance is under consideration by a separate task force.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board Meeting - May 5, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","School District U‑46 staff presented a proposal May 5 to adopt a districtwide elementary library and media curriculum and to offer digital‑literacy specials at all elementary sites beginning in 2025–26.","taxTitle","SD U-46, School Boards, Illinois","taxId",14976,"location","Illinois","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6248453,"U‑46 presents elementary integrated curriculum; implementation planned for 2025–26 pending board action",216,6864000,7080000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3210774-c69d54f0d2d840c87909deaa3d065f93&start=6864&end=7080","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3210774-c69d54f0d2d840c87909deaa3d065f93/thumbnail_6864000.jpg","/articles/6248453/Illinois/U46-presents-elementary-integrated-curriculum-implementation-planned-for-202526-pending-board-action","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6248453-f352e2223d4747f230847e052c4cee89/orig.mp4?Expires=1775151175&Signature=J5lME~b73Xc3giTLsC1JodGBTgbJ7MwNFAFRslRbCkrCzz5Qsho4ivrJNwjvqZ45yd5vCtXI5sqWaVmDiZTNi0Z0cVVuyhJdQ~71WQGUC3mfyno8OWYM8nzwXXkGTIX1jYc1sDrYjnBys99OsL1Lk5RT6NTeQzGjnk-9p1C24tTMqawHG6LnoR9gWBMFoTuMJTLy-zncYtX2ZTFPmJCZUVvsg1Dk9cufwX5OrKnHy74OxIgw~IwexRl6yOKRh9d~jitEfBeieGzMjdy6gV~VnS4cpDr9cGBeEbZwp2VpOVsgWk5UPoPk9O86BDY53UD4AmPLZx7c~hJu2aSAiulgug__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","School District U‑46 administrators presented a proposed elementary integrated curriculum for grades 1–5 at the May 5 Board of Education meeting and said implementation would begin in the 2025–26 school year if the adoption is approved.

The proposal restructures the integrated elementary sequence by replacing three former science units with social studies units: Unit 2 will focus on civic/social-justice inquiry; Unit 4 will focus on history; Unit 6 will focus on informational and media literacy and a culminating inquiry. The curriculum formalizes foundational literacy resources as core materials, adds keyboarding and handwriting (Learning Without Tears) supports, and includes common reading assessments and performance tasks aligned to the literacy and social studies standards, administration said. Presenters noted several local resources will be used, including a Story of Our Towns resource adapted with the Elgin History Museum.

Staff provided an implementation timeline: professional learning and backward-planning sessions could begin in May (pending board action), required live in-person sessions and supplemental virtual/asynchronous modules will be offered, and district coaching and Canvas blueprints will support rollout. The district listed an estimated one‑time materials and resource cost of approximately $2,882,573.42, a consumables line of $149,070, and an average per‑pupil cost of $12.37 per year; presenters said handwriting instruction would begin in second trimester and trade books for some units are not required until Unit 2.

Board members asked about supply-chain risk and whether teacher professional development can proceed if print materials are delayed; curriculum staff responded that teacher print and digital teacher materials are available now, foundational resources have digital pages, and PD can start without waiting for all printed trade books. Staff also said multiple pilot reading assessments have been used for two years in some schools.

Why it matters: the changes are presented as part of the district’s literacy and social-studies alignment and would change curriculum materials, assessments and professional learning across all elementary schools. The board did not take a formal vote on the adoption during the May 5 meeting; one board member noted the formal vote is scheduled for an upcoming meeting (the board discussed voting on the 19th).","District staff presented a new K–5 integrated curriculum that replaces three science units with additional social studies units, formalizes foundational literacy resources, adds handwriting and keyboarding guidance, and lists implementation supports and costs; the board held questions and was told a formal vote would be considered later.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6248459,"U‑46 board awards $67.4 million in contracts for new Elgin Middle School",282,5016000,5298000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3210774-c69d54f0d2d840c87909deaa3d065f93&start=5016&end=5298","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3210774-c69d54f0d2d840c87909deaa3d065f93/thumbnail_5016000.jpg","/articles/6248459/Illinois/U46-board-awards-674-million-in-contracts-for-new-Elgin-Middle-School","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6248459-9017641b1fb7d477f219609c83466e29/orig.mp4?Expires=1775151175&Signature=ajd2Bw1qbqd2xYDPXNitRd-tBcLJfWWf~lW0PUCKRjL1bhAXxPMYcw9Yk2Rt44oiUM~p1tOxS7OSHniXRnNPRkEgJKQLBSWWckWV-D3lHSZNLRNOgpQDmc2nohHQBXkgSDAiDmpBmoMPBAHH1FVKk-GSNoh8GOMqYxJGtrjMtkLyQNEFUJ~r-V6n023ELQNFg3LZffI7M4ljYXN61qPh6Zpw2gMRwocHbsVZ8N8DNSc4ol33lm9GOIxRSw~9FXVsHIbdZ6Jyj5~SeSckrOJd67m9fVhF8Zalv4~Yz0cH6gAZaG4xsljCUP7U3nNWmodNsvAo6EXftX~lkjeBHuQ~Vg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The School District U‑46 Board of Education on May 5 approved awarding bidding packages for the new Elgin Middle School project totaling $67,427,140, plus Alternate 1 for $16,068, and authorized district administration to execute the related documents.

Administration presented a list of recommended low bidders for the multiple trade packages, including High Power Electric Company (about $12.35 million for electrical), Flowtech Mechanical Systems (about $6.996 million), Midwest Masonry (about $6.9859 million), and other contractors read into the record by Brian Lindholm, chief of staff. Lindholm told the board the recommendation was to award the packages to the lowest responsible bidders and to authorize execution of the contracts.

The vote was taken by roll call after a motion to approve the bidders as read; the motion carried. Board members voting “yes” on the record included Miss Kirk, Miss Khan, Miss Martin, Miss Nolan, Miss Schwartz, Miss Thomas and President Owens.

Why it matters: the awards fund the construction phase for a major capital project in U‑46’s capital program; administration said the costs are included in the district’s authorized project budget and requested the standard authorization to finalize contracts and proceed with construction.

What happened next: with the awards approved, district staff may sign agreements and move forward on contractor mobilization and project scheduling. The board did not attach any additional conditions in the motion recorded in the meeting minutes.","The School District U‑46 Board of Education voted May 5 to award bidding packages totaling $67,427,140 (plus an alternate) for the new Elgin Middle School, approving contracts with multiple trade contractors and authorizing district administration to execute related documents.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6248439,"U‑46 seeks to expand freshman seminar to all high schools to boost freshmen‑on‑track rates",181,9479000,9660000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3210774-c69d54f0d2d840c87909deaa3d065f93&start=9479&end=9660","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3210774-c69d54f0d2d840c87909deaa3d065f93/thumbnail_9479000.jpg","/articles/6248439/Illinois/U46-seeks-to-expand-freshman-seminar-to-all-high-schools-to-boost-freshmenontrack-rates","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6248439-0e91fc049a03491809b4834c0d092d16/orig.mp4?Expires=1775151175&Signature=YTey48mor9DwLT-gqX8U1~ZnDqXl6IUdwL9JMf1qUgHyXF8Bm~tMPj4M90ZQDJm6HV8dTdM8mxyRpgt~HA067-2w50DhK6~rm4jKTsmoS~bRfTA-omJd3Zt93stgsQaQnnLhfehuXinUoalz7NBCjm5-B6hBaoD0z~tkOmgvcPKbcj~2jsZFOXYa2Zo2-te7rhgyZ0LyhSh3~AQWU4LYDGUx4nh1pb~F3cawmS2MqiWo~tesZhMhi79sdt5wJfN0i4zACONWepa~wncOScv6O2YFZlAFb8FmED-Rp~SsvrOBhe2V~XQiH4YGvN9YT~0vXrCvp6ySHB0NlgL4Nx7pZg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","School District U‑46 presented a revised Freshman Seminar curriculum May 5 designed to support ninth‑grade transitions, build organization and critical‑reading skills, and increase freshmen‑on‑track rates.

Michelle Chapman, director of postsecondary success, and Beth McKinney, coordinator of programs and supports, said the one‑semester elective is credit bearing, available to true freshmen in the first semester and intended to support students not enrolled in AVID or study‑skills electives. The curriculum draws on AVID strategies, Schoolwide Advisory and School Links materials the district already owns; the district plans to offer teacher training beginning this month and additional AVID‑aligned training options over the summer, including site‑based AVID pathway training where available.

Presenters said the goal is to increase freshmen‑on‑track percentages and set an aspirational target of above 95% at each high school, while monitoring outcomes through the assistant principals for freshman success and school teams. The district intends to broaden access: the course has been offered previously at two high schools (Streamwood and Elgin), and staff proposed running it at all five U‑46 high schools in fall 2025.

Why it matters: freshmen‑on‑track is an ISBE measure tied to graduation success; the course aims to standardize transition supports, increase credit attainment and identify students who may need additional intervention. The board did not take a final vote on the course at the May 5 meeting.","District staff proposed a revised, one‑semester Freshman Seminar course designed to improve first‑year credit attainment and freshmen‑on‑track rates; the course will be credit‑bearing, draw on AVID strategies, and district staff aim to run it at all five high schools in 2025–26.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6248444,"After yearlong pilot, U‑46 recommends middle‑school ELA curriculum for grades 6–8",196,8346000,8542000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3210774-c69d54f0d2d840c87909deaa3d065f93&start=8346&end=8542","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3210774-c69d54f0d2d840c87909deaa3d065f93/thumbnail_8346000.jpg","/articles/6248444/Illinois/After-yearlong-pilot-U46-recommends-middleschool-ELA-curriculum-for-grades-68","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6248444-4372928a2df8a20f9ddf9ef44af15d96/orig.mp4?Expires=1775151175&Signature=of4xyCbthz2A3H7bTBja3fOS0tpI5ExsXUlExY6YpNz0tsCK8NUnV0KyFwTu7YO1RCVFmn4XC2nt2y15pm7tojBDEe7b-f4OGhZ~NttaN01jH7OMKUwkMfqwflpL1xD5HvWUrZDMX7T7okw7hrrNnAwvXPePN2HYZNZm9W6tJlna~7ctIM~ywyA18dcFiL7x1TbMskODIKawt98O5kthsuWPJAm~NJhGmH5JhHAQu5GDn14wx4fT4qaG0ZB3POnLT23s8IWje-gNlE6C94GQXK8frtMLYdik10es2GI4Wyfg~E5xCoJpFfw5P3dSdHzi-gTVxOfDdWUumJo7J0t03g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District curriculum staff on May 5 recommended that the U‑46 Board of Education adopt a common middle‑school English language arts curriculum for grades 6–8 after a yearlong pilot, saying pilot teachers and students showed improved engagement and that pacing adjustments had been made.

Presenters said about 55 teachers participated in the pilot and described a three‑unit, 12‑week pacing pattern per grade level. Grade‑level core texts and accompanying trade books would be provided as consumables so students can annotate and keep copies; staff said classroom libraries and online supports would be used to differentiate and extend background knowledge. The recommended digital resources include Open Up Resources (Canvas-based OER), NoRedInk for grammar practice, and CommonLit for supplemental texts.

Implementation would include teacher launch professional learning this spring if the board approves, required August 2025 PD, and job‑embedded coaching with six site visits through the EL Education coaching model. Staff listed materials costs in the presentation (materials total roughly $2,000,446.70, annual recurring cost about $219,930, and estimated per‑pupil annual cost about $30) and said they will monitor implementation through common assessments, coaching feedback and standardized achievement data.

Why it matters: a common curriculum across middle schools changes core instructional materials, pacing and teacher supports and aims to improve alignment and student outcomes; the board did not take a final adoption vote during the May 5 meeting.","Following a yearlong pilot in dozens of classrooms, district staff recommended adopting a common middle‑school English language arts curriculum for grades 6–8, citing positive engagement and plans for teacher launch PD, site coaching and a materials purchase; implementation would begin in 2025–26 if approved.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

U‑46 proposes districtwide elementary library/media curriculum to expand digital literacy

U‑46 presents elementary integrated curriculum; implementation planned for 2025–26 pending board action

U‑46 board awards $67.4 million in contracts for new Elgin Middle School

U‑46 seeks to expand freshman seminar to all high schools to boost freshmen‑on‑track rates

After yearlong pilot, U‑46 recommends middle‑school ELA curriculum for grades 6–8