District seeks new K–5 curriculum aligned to science of reading; 456 second/third graders not yet on grade level, officials say

Gary Community School Corporation academic staff told the board they recommend new pre-K and K–5 curricula aligned to the science of reading, and described district assessment results and next steps to boost early literacy.

District staff said a curriculum review committee of classroom teachers evaluated five vendors against rubrics (alignment to the 2023 literacy standards, systematic instruction, phonics/phonemic awareness, assessment and supports for diverse learners). Teachers narrowed options for K–5 to two finalists and for pre-K to a recommended vendor; staff then evaluated costs and recommended a program package costing roughly $743,000 for pre-K through fifth-grade materials and associated professional development.

Why it matters: staff and the presenters tied the curriculum decision to student performance. The district said approximately 456 second- and third-grade students are not on grade level and that those gaps are affecting promotion and future assessments. The K–5 adoption is intended to provide a consistent, evidence-based reading program to address those gaps.

Assessment, retention and summer school District staff reviewed the iRead3 requirements and the district’s current status. Key points included: - iRead3 administration and…