District replaces Nearpod with Newsela for K-8 reading support

Students in Pennsylvania's K-8 schools are set to gain enhanced access to educational resources with the introduction of Newsela, a new software designed to provide tailored news articles and nonfiction content. The Finance Committee meeting on July 10, 2025, highlighted the decision to replace the underutilized Nearpod software with Newsela, a move that educators have been advocating for in recent years.

Newsela offers a unique approach by rewriting articles from various reputable sources to match different reading levels, ensuring that all students can engage with the material. This adaptive learning tool not only simplifies complex texts but also includes comprehension quizzes and activities, making it a versatile resource across subjects such as math, science, social studies, and English.

The committee discussed the importance of this transition, noting that while high schools have access to a similar program called Actively Learn, K-8 learners have been left without an equivalent resource. The decision to adopt Newsela aims to fill this gap and support individualized learning, allowing teachers to assign the same article to multiple students while catering to their specific reading capabilities.

Educators expressed excitement about the potential of Newsela to keep students engaged with current events and relevant topics, such as scientific breakthroughs and natural disasters, without delving into politically charged content. Although metrics on student improvement were not available during the meeting, teachers will receive reports on student progress, helping to track the effectiveness of the program.

The Finance Committee's decision to implement Newsela marks a significant step toward enhancing educational resources for younger students in Pennsylvania, with the expectation that it will foster improved reading skills and engagement in the classroom. As the program rolls out, feedback from educators will be crucial in assessing its impact on student learning outcomes.