Board adopts new K–5 literacy curriculum aligned to science of reading

The Stillwater Area Public Schools Board approved a package of K–5 literacy materials intended to align instruction to the science of reading.

Caitlin (presenter) asked the board to adopt Benchmark Advanced K–5 Knowledge Building Curriculum along with UFLI and Functional Morphology as the district’s foundational literacy curricula for kindergarten through fifth grade. After a motion to adopt and a second, board members asked about implementation time, professional learning and budget impacts.

Caitlin said the new curricula require more instructional minutes than the district’s current literacy block, and staff will partner with the literacy adoption committee to find an approach to expand the literacy block and provide professional development. When asked about cost, presenters stated the adoption came in under the district’s earlier high-end estimate and that the district had received roughly $300,000 of funding to offset the purchase.

The board voted to approve the literacy adoption; the meeting transcript records the motion, a second, discussion about scheduling and budget, and a voice vote in which all present voted in favor.

Ending

Staff said they will proceed with implementation planning, professional learning and schedule adjustments to accommodate the curricular materials. The board expressed anticipation for results and asked staff to return with updates as implementation proceeds.