Kira Currancy proposes CKLA curriculum for grades 3-6 to enhance student literacy

The VCS Board of Education meeting held on July 10, 2025, focused on significant developments in the English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum for grades 3 through 6, as well as a review of the district's code of conduct policy.

During the meeting, Kira Currancy, the director of humanities, presented a proposal for a new resource aimed at enhancing ELA instruction. The proposal emerged from a thorough analysis of student data and the challenges faced in developing a local humanities-based curriculum. Currancy emphasized the need for a cohesive and sustainable curriculum, noting that previous efforts to create units of study had been draining and unsustainable.

The proposed resource, CKLA (Core Knowledge Language Arts), was selected after a pilot program involving teachers from various classrooms. Feedback from both students and teachers indicated strong engagement and positive outcomes from the CKLA program, which integrates thematic units to enhance reading and writing skills. The curriculum is designed to build knowledge progressively across grades, with specific units chosen by teachers, such as "Charlotte's Web" for third grade and "A Midsummer Night's Dream" for fifth grade.

The board unanimously approved the CKLA curriculum, marking a significant step towards improving ELA instruction in the district. Currancy outlined plans for ongoing professional development and support for teachers as they implement the new curriculum.

In addition to the ELA proposal, the meeting included a presentation on revisions to the district's code of conduct policy. The review process aimed to make the document more accessible and aligned with the district's equity and inclusion goals. Key changes included updating the language to be more student-friendly, incorporating graphics, and reorganizing behavioral expectations into a framework that emphasizes developmental appropriateness and educational responses rather than purely disciplinary measures.

The board's discussions highlighted a commitment to enhancing educational resources and fostering an inclusive environment for all students. The implementation of the CKLA curriculum and the revised code of conduct are expected to contribute positively to the district's strategic goals and student achievement.