Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Teacher Professional Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board approves professional learning plan; district to require LETRS training for elementary reading
Summary
The Webster Groves School Board approved the district's 2025–26 professional learning plan and heard that the district intends to move toward requiring LETRS (structured literacy) training for elementary teachers, with stipend and half-release time options to support completion.
Doctor Adams presented the district’s professional-learning plan and told the board that the district will continue multi-year work on reading instruction and staff development, including a plan to require LETRS structured-literacy training for elementary teachers over the next three years.
“Going forward, if folks haven't opted in by the end of next year in the school year 26–27, I recommend that we require that our staff participate in that training,” Doctor Adams said, describing LETRS as a two-volume training program that can be completed over two years. He said 77 percent of K–5 classroom teachers and reading specialists have completed or are actively participating in LETRS and that 23 percent—about 26 educators—have not yet started.
To reduce barriers, Adams outlined two support options: a split stipend (half the standard stipend plus release time) or a combination of partial pay and allotted time to complete course components. “One of the largest considerations ... is the amount of time that it commits,” Adams said, and the district is offering financial and time accommodations for participants.
Board members asked about compensation mechanics and whether teachers view the requirement positively. Adams said principals and staff were notified in advance and that the district will communicate details as it finalizes the timeline.
The board voted to approve the professional-learning plan for the 2025–26 school year. The motion passed by voice vote; the minutes record a voice “aye” and no opposed or abstentions.
