Elementary principals outline literacy, math and science goals amid new curriculum rollout

Principals from Albert Lea Public School District’s elementary schools presented fall-to-spring assessment trends, curriculum changes and action plans that emphasize stronger tier 1 instruction, targeted interventions and family engagement.

District and school leaders said reading scores showed variable growth after the district adopted new core reading materials last year, and noted that science assessments changed format this year to require constructed responses. Several principals asked the board for continued focus on professional learning communities (PLCs), Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) implementation and fidelity checks to make sure the curriculum is delivered as intended.

Why it matters: The principals described concrete classroom-level strategies intended to raise student outcomes over time. The district’s stated approach combines schoolwide emphasis on high-quality daily instruction with data-driven PLC work and targeted intervention blocks; those choices will shape which students receive extra supports and how district funds and staff time are allocated.

Principals’ presentations

Principal Kim (Halvorsen) said Halvorsen is in the second year of the Wit & Wisdom reading curriculum and called…