School committee evaluates UFLI Phonics program for early literacy adoption

In a recent meeting of the Cary Community Consolidated School District 26, educators discussed the outcomes of a year-long pilot program for early literacy phonics, focusing on the UFLI Phonics and Benchmark Assessment. Liz Rivera, a key presenter, emphasized the importance of these programs in achieving the district's strategic goals, particularly student success and fiscal responsibility.

The UFLI Early Literacy Phonics Program emerged as the preferred choice among the two piloted programs, with teachers across kindergarten to second grade participating in the evaluation. Rivera highlighted that this initiative is not driven by financial considerations, as the cost is relatively modest, but rather by the need for a consistent early literacy curriculum. This marks a significant step for the district, which has not previously had a unified approach to teaching foundational reading skills.

The pilot aimed to provide explicit and systematic instruction to help students develop essential reading abilities, which research indicates is crucial for closing achievement gaps, especially for students who may struggle or come from diverse backgrounds. Feedback from teachers was collected through surveys and professional discussions, allowing educators to share their experiences and insights on the implementation of the programs.

Rivera noted the importance of integrating the UFLI or Benchmark programs with the existing Savvas curriculum, which focuses on reading comprehension. This integration is vital for creating a comprehensive literacy framework that supports all students effectively.

As the district moves forward, the insights gained from this pilot will inform decisions about adopting a core literacy program, with the potential to enhance reading proficiency among students and address diverse educational needs. The discussions at this meeting reflect a commitment to improving educational outcomes and ensuring that all students have the foundational skills necessary for future success.