District recommends Benchmark Advance/Adelante for K–5 literacy; board to vote March 3

Edina Public Schools administrators recommended adopting Benchmark Advance (English) and Benchmark Adelante (Spanish dual-language) as the district’s K–5 literacy materials and scheduled a formal adoption vote for March 3.

Assistant Director of Teaching and Learning Bethany Van Astel and Director of Teaching and Learning Jody DeSant Hubert described a four‑year selection process grounded in student data and the “science of reading.” Van Astel said the team evaluated six programs, narrowed the list to three, conducted building-level staff review and early implementation pilots, and favored Benchmark for its systematic phonics scope (expanding K–2 coverage to K–5), scaffolds within lessons, rigorous writing units and knowledge-building design that aligns K–5 science and social studies units.

Administrators noted extensive teacher professional development in LETRS and Aspire (more than 300 teachers participating over three years) and early positive feedback from implementers, including teachers and some student results in writing. Van Astel said Benchmark Adelante is intentionally designed to complement Spanish dual‑language programs, though staff are still working through the mechanics of implementation at Normandale and other immersion sites and expect a longer on-ramp for some buildings.

Board members asked about Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) review status. Van Astel said Benchmark previously received questions from MDE about descriptions of small‑group texts; the publisher provided a lengthy response and was re‑reviewed. District staff said they used MDE rubrics in their local review and feel confident in the program; they added that MDE approval is not a prerequisite for the board to adopt the materials, and the district could proceed even if MDE’s rating differs. The adoption vote was set for the March 3 board meeting.