Beaverton outlines K–12 literacy push including new materials, tutoring and secondary pilots

District staff presented an update on K–12 literacy instruction and interventions at the Beaverton School Board retreat on Jan. 28, describing new curriculum materials, coaching, targeted tutoring and a pilot of secondary English‑language arts materials that will lead to a recommendation to the board in April 2025.

Why it matters: District leaders said strengthening core literacy instruction, adding targeted interventions and aligning professional development are central to improving achievement and narrowing gaps for multilingual learners and students with reading deficits.

Deputy Superintendent Heather Corte and language‑arts staff described the elementary program changes that were implemented under an Early Literacy Success grant. The district selected HMH (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) materials from the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) approved list and said those materials include built‑in scaffolds for multilingual learners, English language development mini‑lessons and printable organizers intended to build background and comprehension. Staff said academic coaches now support core instruction at all 34 elementary schools to help teachers implement the new materials.

Toshika Marizio, a district instructional leader, said research on language acquisition supports keeping…