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Committee unanimously recommends Benchmark Advance as K–5 ELA curriculum, plans phased rollout and nine days of professional development
Summary
An elementary committee recommended Benchmark Advance as the district's K'5 English language arts curriculum after visiting districts and evaluating materials for alignment with the science of reading. The committee cited explicit phonics, writing instruction and scaffolded small-group time; the board will consider the recommendation April 8.
A Niskayuna Central School District elementary curriculum committee told the Board of Education on March 25, 2025 that it unanimously recommends Benchmark Advance as the district's K'5 English language arts curriculum and asked the board to approve a phased implementation beginning next school year.
The committee said its review prioritized alignment with the science of reading; equity and cultural responsiveness; explicit instruction in phonemic awareness and phonics; strong writing instruction; and supports for multilingual learners and students with disabilities. The committee reported 22 regular participants, school-level representation from each elementary building, and visits to other districts using candidate programs before making the selection.
Megan Collins, identified in the meeting as the district's…
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