Elwood's literacy pilot committee presented the district’s yearlong, evidence-based process for selecting a new elementary English language arts program. Assistant Superintendent Doctor Hood introduced a collaborative pilot involving administrators, teachers and curriculum leaders to evaluate three programs aligned to the science of reading.

Teachers and principals described the programs' classroom structures. "The Bookworms program is divided into three blocks: shared reading (phonics and phonemic awareness), an ELA block with modeled writing, and a differentiated instruction block" said teacher Barry Shapiro, describing the program's daily structure and use of diagnostic data to guide small-group instruction. Presenters said My View emphasizes authentic literature and integrated science and social studies knowledge-building, while Magnetic Reading provides weekly decodable texts and a strong knowledge-based nonfiction component.

The committee is gathering multiple measures—standardized tests, classroom assessments, teacher observations, intervisitation feedback and student/parent input—to evaluate alignment to state standards, quality of instructional materials, differentiation, and the effectiveness of professional learning. Board members asked about bridging gaps across classrooms that used different pilot models; the committee said the programs are standards-aligned and the district would "level set" and use supplemental lessons if gaps emerge, plus offer professional development before the start of the next school year.

The process aims to select a program that balances foundational skills instruction, knowledge-building and supports for English language learners and students with disabilities; final selection will follow additional intervisitations and teacher feedback.