Grand Rapids school board approves local literacy plan after curriculum report on screenings and training

The Grand Rapids Public School District board approved the district's 2024'25 local literacy plan after hearing a Teaching and Learning Curriculum Indicator Report from district curriculum staff.

District literacy lead Carol Copp and K'5 curriculum lead Jill Wheelock told the board the teaching and learning department has focused this year on districtwide curriculum coherence, expanded teacher coaching and walkthroughs, and more cross-district collaboration. Copp said the district now has "consistent, high quality ELA instruction for reading and writing implemented in grades K'8," and noted that state requirements for evidence-based practices guide the work.

The report identified several measurable results: preliminary spring STAR screener proficiency rates of 61.3% in third grade, 61.4% in fourth grade and 63.4% in fifth grade; and a reported growth pattern from fall to spring with at least a 5% increase in some grades. Copp said the district serves about 3,860 students and provided site-level breakdowns in the packet.

Copp described a planned transition in foundational reading curriculum: the district is moving from Orton'Gillingham (OG) toward UFLI (University of Florida Literacy Initiative) for K'3 foundational instruction after data showed a plateau in K'2 growth. "It also offers a more cost effective research based solution," she said, adding that the district will expand coaching and professional development to support implementation. Copp cited published effect sizes for UFLI during the presentation.

Screening, dyslexia identification and interventions Copp outlined new screening and reporting requirements under Minnesota's Read Act and guidance from the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE). The district reported that in the most recent K'3 screening window it screened 931 students and 142 of those (about 15%) showed characteristics of dyslexia. For grades 4'12 the district will use the state-selected screener identified in the presentation as "CAPT Read Basics" (described in the meeting as the required test chosen by MDE). Copp told the board the district is purchasing seats for that screener at a cost she said is about $7 per student; she said that cost comes from the district's literacy aid funding.

Copp and Wheelock said the district will screen students three times a year and will use progress monitoring and tiered interventions (MTSS) to respond. Wheelock added that elementary students who hover near benchmarks receive tiered supports and diagnostic follow-up beyond the screener; secondary interventions are still being strengthened. Copp emphasized parent and family communication: "The screening is important. That's how we help students," and said families will receive screening notices and results three times a year.

Assessments and data use Presenters described STAR as a district screening tool used for reading and math K'12, with three screening windows annually and a strong correlation to MCA results. Copp said the MCA (state summative assessment) results are useful but arrive late and describe "finish line" measurement; STAR allows teachers to monitor the same students across the year. Copp stated that preliminary MCA trends showed increases in several grades, but final official MCA releases remain embargoed until the state's release date.

Barriers and supports Copp listed limited budget, administrative staffing shortages, substitute teacher scarcity and frequent changes in state policy as barriers to implementation and expansion. The district has added staff roles this year (a full-time literacy lead and a curriculum implementation specialist in the teaching and learning office) and hired an MTSS coordinator.

Board questions and follow-up Board members asked for comparative data from prior years and for counts of families who opt out of the MCA. Wheelock and Copp said they would provide last year's statistics and additional detail where available; Copp acknowledged some document formatting issues in the packet and that she would follow up. Copp also said early, preliminary internal review of spring data indicated third grade gains, countering a brief dip in an internal benchmark presentation.

Votes at a glance: board actions taken during the meeting - Approval of the 2024'25 local literacy plan: motion by Ashley; second by David; approved by voice vote. - Approval of minutes of the July 14 regular meeting: motion by Dave; second by Ashley; approved by voice vote. - Approval of Diana Bishop's ESP retirement: motion by David; second by Ashley; approved by voice vote. - Approval of the consent agenda (routine items): motion by Ashley; second by Dave; approved by voice vote. - Approval of the 2025'26 Grand Rapids Area School handbooks (all buildings): motion by David; second by Ashley; approved by voice vote. - Approval of the 2025'26 athletic training services agreement with Grand Itasca: motion by David; second by Dave; approved by voice vote.

The board discussion concluded with additional principal and board reports; presenters said they would circulate follow-up data requested by members. Copp closed by reiterating the district's emphasis on communication with families and continued coaching and progress monitoring as the district implements curriculum and screening changes.