Anoka-Hennepin board approves new elementary ELA curriculum focused on science of reading

The Anoka-Hennepin Public School District board approved a new elementary English language arts curriculum on a 6–2 vote, adopting Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) K–5, Bridge to Read for kindergarten through third grade, and Functional Morphology for grades four and five for implementation in the 2025–26 school year.

The recommendation followed an 18‑month study-and-pilot process that included classroom pilots, teacher surveys and study-committee review of multiple curriculum options. "The committee's recommendation offers an evidence-based curriculum rooted in the science of reading," a district staff member summarized during the presentation.

The decision matters because the adoption retools early literacy instruction around systematic phonics and aligned knowledge-building materials. District staff told the board the adoption will require a district investment of about $5,000,000 for student materials, licensing and year-one professional development across all elementary grades, with additional recurring licensing and PD costs phased over seven years. Year‑one professional development was estimated in the presentation at roughly $228,300 to support teacher training and leader overviews.

Board members who had participated in pilot debriefs and classroom visits spoke in favor of the plan. "I believe that it's vitally important that every child in our district can read," said Director Langenfeld, who moved approval of the recommendation. The motion was seconded by Director Simon and carried 6–2.

District staff described the committee process in detail, including two rounds of piloting, mid‑pilot training when updated editions became available, and a final teacher survey. Staff said about 71% of pilot teachers selected the combined option of CKLA K–5 paired with Bridge to Read for K–3 and Functional Morphology for grades 4–5.

Implementation steps include communications and building preview events this spring, curriculum-aligned changes to elementary report cards, leader overviews and full‑day CKLA training for teachers in August, and coaching/implementation supports throughout the first year. Staff also noted ongoing LETRS (LETRS/LETRS-like training) and OLA (Oral Language Assessment-related) professional-development activity already completed or in progress for many teachers and literacy specialists.

The board recording shows the roll call for the motion: Director Langenfeld moved and Director Simon seconded; the motion passed 6 in favor, 2 opposed.

District staff said they will provide materials and a schedule for summer PD and building implementation supports to principals and the board.

The board did not alter the recommended resources during the vote; the adopted package will be the basis for the 2025–26 elementary ELA rollout.