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Board adopts K–12 English language arts changes: UFLI K–2, functional morphology 3–5, EL Education for 6th grade
Summary
After a year of piloting and a committee review prompted by Minnesota's Read Act, the Bemidji school board approved curriculum recommendations for ELA K–12, keeping UFLI in K–2, adopting functional morphology for grades 3–5, and adopting EL Education for grade 6; secondary teachers compiled trade‑book lists for 7–12.
The Bemidji Public School District school board voted to adopt recommended changes to the district's English language arts curriculum for 2024–25 on May 19, following a year of piloting and committee review required in part by Minnesota's Read Act.
The curriculum committee recommended continuing UFLI for kindergarten through second grade, adopting functional morphology for grades 3–5 and adopting EL Education for sixth grade. Seventh through twelfth grade teachers compiled recommended trade‑book lists and vertical alignment materials for secondary ELA. Committee members and administrators told the board that the K–5 recommendations were shaped by the state's requirement that structured‑literacy components be used at the elementary level under the Read Act.
Lacey Podmore, one of the presenters, described the process and pilot work: the elementary K–5 committee piloted multiple programs and recommended that UFLI remain for K–2 while adopting functional morphology in grades 3–5 as a structured approach to teaching word parts, vocabulary and writing. Podmore summarized the recommendation: "We are asking you to vote to adopt functional morphology for grades 3 through 5, EL Education for grade 6, and the recommended list of trade books compiled by the seventh through twelfth grade teachers." Anna Hamann and other classroom teachers participated in the pilots, and administrators said pilot teachers did substantial prep work to test the programs in classrooms.
Administrators described a transparent selection process that included teacher pilots, a curriculum advisory review and a community input night. The board approved the curriculum adoption by roll call vote (all voting yes).
Why it matters Administrators said the adoption aligns the district with state guidance intended to strengthen early literacy instruction and to improve vertical alignment across grades. The changes focus instruction on evidence‑based structured literacy in early grades and on knowledge‑building resources in upper elementary and early middle school.
Implementation District staff and participating teachers will continue teacher supports and targeted implementation activities (professional development, materials alignment and technology needs). Administration noted some savings by supplementing existing materials rather than buying an entirely new K–5 package; technology needs may require further budget allocation.
Ending note Board members thanked teachers and curriculum staff for the pilot work and for making materials available for public review; the district will proceed with the adopted materials for the 2024–25 school year.
