District outlines new literacy strategies for students with disabilities and multilingual learners

The Sun Prairie Area School District held a school board meeting on May 27, 2025, focusing on the implementation of 4K–12 literacy programming and updates regarding Act 20. The meeting began with a review of the district's new instructional materials for grades 4K through 11, which are set to enhance literacy outcomes across the board.

The district is entering its second year of implementing new English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum and materials for grades 9 through 11, alongside new English as a Second Language (ESL) resources for grades 6 through 12. The emphasis will be on assessment and planning to support all learners, particularly focusing on improving academic outcomes for Black students and those with identified disabilities. Each school site will establish a "problem of practice" aimed at addressing these groups' needs, with strategic actions developed to support their academic success.

In addition, the district plans to enhance instruction on letter naming and provide professional development for educators in grades 4K and 5K. This initiative is in response to data indicating a need for different instructional strategies to help students succeed on the AIMSweb assessment. The district will also expand its dual language immersion program to include second grade, making it accessible to students from all nine sites across the district.

The meeting highlighted the ongoing commitment to refining tier 2 and tier 3 interventions and the implementation of an instructional framework that prioritizes neurodivergent and multilingual learners. A significant focus over the next three years will be on designing and implementing common formative and summative literacy assessments to ensure a consistent curriculum across all sites.

Following the literacy programming discussion, the meeting transitioned to an update on Act 20. The district has adopted the Amplify CKLA program to meet the requirement for a science-based early literacy program. Additionally, the Camino's program has been implemented for literacy instruction for English language learners in the dual language immersion program. The district has also introduced a new screener to assess literacy three times a year, further supporting its commitment to improving literacy outcomes.

The meeting concluded with an invitation for community members to visit the district's website for more information on Act 20 and related updates. The board's discussions reflect a strong commitment to enhancing literacy education and addressing the diverse needs of all students within the district.