District amends K–3 early learning plan to emphasize numeracy; state approved amendment

District staff described amendments to the Grand Canyon School District’s early learning plan at the Oct. 8 work session, saying the state has approved a revised plan that shifts the district’s early-literacy emphasis to early numeracy for kindergarten through third grade.

Staff said the amendments specify the district’s chosen core and intervention curricula for both literacy and math and set more specific, measurable goals tied to grade-level subtests rather than only a composite score. For first grade, staff described a goal to reduce the percentage of students scoring in “red” or “yellow” on an advanced quantity discrimination (AQD) subtest by moving a targeted share of students up one performance band. For third grade, the amendment ties goals to computation subtests and aims to move a set percentage of students from below benchmark to grade level between the start and end of the year.

Staff stated the amendment is required and reports on goal attainment will be submitted at the end of the year; they said a final report is due by June 30. “It is a requirement,” a staff member said, noting the state changed the focus to numeracy and that the district’s plans must align with that change.

Board members asked whether adult-education or alternative GED pathways would be incorporated into graduation or recovery pathways; staff said they would research alignment and return with more detail.

The early learning plan amendment was presented as information at the work session; the State Board of Education had approved the amendment, and district staff said they will report progress as required.