District narrows elementary wellness curriculum to Wayfinder; Wayfinder recommended for K–6 pilot
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Summary
After a district review of 27 proposals, a committee recommended Wayfinder as the top choice to replace Second Step for K–6 student wellness; funding proposed from the prevention block grant for digital access, with workbooks under review.
Sarah Marsh summarized the curriculum selection process the district used to choose a student wellness program for elementary schools. The process began with a December scope‑of‑work developed by administrators, teachers, parents and school‑based mental‑health staff. The district solicited materials and received 27 submissions, which were narrowed to three programs for closer review.
An April committee made up of one teacher and one parent representative from every elementary school, plus administrators and the director of elementary teaching and learning, reviewed the top three programs and asked for hands‑on sessions with two finalists. The district ran those in‑person demonstrations April 23 so evaluators could test teacher workflows and student materials.
Committee results and a subsequent community survey (23 respondents representing every elementary school: 14 parents, nine teachers) produced split support but an overall lead for Wayfinder. Marsh said Wayfinder aligns to CASEL social‑emotional frameworks and Utah’s portrait of a graduate by teaching five SEL skills plus purpose: self‑awareness, adaptability, empathy, collaboration and agency. Marsh said Wayfinder’s lessons are grade‑specific, require minimal teacher prep (five minutes or less per lesson), include parent letters tied to each lesson and have tiered supports for students who need extra help.
Marsh told the board the district plans to use prevention block grant funds to cover digital access to Wayfinder next year; district staff are still determining whether the optional printed workbooks will be covered. She said the program would replace Second Step.
Board members asked to view demos and supporting materials; Marsh offered digital access and said she would share workbooks and login information. The item was presented as a first reading; board members did not vote on final adoption at this meeting.
