Board rejects amendment to bar Teachers College materials; budget approved

The Brighton Area Schools Board of Education on June -- failed to pass an amendment that would have prohibited district spending on materials, training and assessments tied to Teachers College/Lucy Calkins and directed the district to implement reading instruction "aligned with the science of reading" through grade 12 beginning in the 2627 school year. The proposed amendment was defeated 3 to 4; the overall budget was then approved 6 to 1.

The amendment was introduced by Miss Urbane, a board member, who said the change was meant to provide "clear direction and transparency around the literacy practices in our district." Urbane told the board she had repeatedly asked administrators for a spending breakdown and cited a three-day Teachers College training in 02/2022, a principalemail stating Teachers College remained "our district common assessment for grades 3 and 4," and 73.5 substitute-release days used last year for K— 4 assessments as evidence of continued use. "Our kids deserve instruction that is proven to work and our community deserves transparency," Urbane said.

Supporters of Urbane's amendment said the change would prevent district funds and staff time from continuing to support programs the board believes are inconsistent with the science of reading. The amendment text…