Board approves new K–8 ELA materials after yearlong pilot

The Birmingham Board of Education voted 6–0 Tuesday to approve new K–8 English language arts instructional materials, adopting Arts & Letters (the updated Wit & Wisdom curriculum) and Magnetic foundational skills for kindergarten through grade 2.

Board members heard a detailed presentation from the district curriculum team that framed the adoption as the end of a three‑phase selection process and the start of a planned implementation period. “We analyzed student achievement data, we review[ed] our current curriculum, we gather[ed] feedback from educators [and] families,” the presenter said during the presentation.

The district piloted the materials during the 2024–25 school year in multiple configurations (Magnetic only; Wit & Wisdom only; both together; and existing materials) across grade levels and schools. Mid‑year iReady results presented to the board showed mixed, grade‑specific changes after one semester of use: pilot classrooms in K–1 that used Magnetic (foundational skills) outperformed peers; second grade results reflected stronger comprehension where Wit & Wisdom was used; middle grades (6–8) showed notable midyear improvement where teachers taught dedicated ELA. Presenters cautioned that a short‑term “implementation dip” is possible the first year as teachers and students adapt.

The curriculum team said Great Minds released a revised version of Wit & Wisdom, branded Arts & Letters, during the pilot. The district reconvened its curriculum design team to compare versions and reported that Arts & Letters scored higher on teacher usability, lesson design and stakeholder satisfaction because it shortened lesson time, updated texts and improved student journals (adding color, page numbers and more writing space).

Trustees and staff emphasized that instructional materials are only one part of a successful literacy program. “Instructional materials paired with research‑based instructional practice from our excellent teachers ... ongoing professional learning is truly what will improve student achievement outcomes,” the presenter said.

The board approved resolution 73 with a unanimous vote. The district will move into phase 3 of its curricular rollout, using the pilot year to collect classroom data and stakeholder feedback and to develop curriculum maps and implementation supports.

Implementation details, including consumable renewals and vendor payment schedules, were presented; trustees asked about pacing, pilot fidelity and teacher support. The presentation noted the district’s plan to fund materials and to monitor year‑over‑year achievement during the six‑year adoption cycle.

Trustees closed the item by thanking the many teachers and staff who participated in the multi‑year review and pilot process.