Scranton SD to seek new K–12 materials, evaluates benchmark tools and readies teachers for structured literacy

Committee members reviewed curriculum and assessment priorities on March 6 as administrators outlined upcoming procurement and implementation steps.

Anne Gribec said many materials and site licenses purchased in 2021 are at the end of their three‑year term and the district is gathering vendor quotes for K–12 reading, math and secondary social studies. She said the district is also collecting proposals for intervention materials to support struggling learners and special‑education students.

Gribec described an RFP for a district‑wide benchmarking tool to accompany or replace Study Island. After a one‑month free trial and multiple demos, the committee narrowed three proposals to two finalists and expects a vote next week to make a recommendation to the board. Gribec emphasized the district sought a product that includes an intervention/remedial component, not just assessment.

On literacy policy, Gribec briefed the committee about Pennsylvania’s structured literacy mandate and noted that professional development will be phased: an initial session for all certificated staff on April 23 and a second phase in the fall. She said Senate Bill 801 (approved Feb. 7) contains new requirements that are still moving through the legislative process and could be edited before final enactment; the district is preparing training and implementation plans so staff can adapt when requirements are finalized.

Board members asked for clarity on timelines and the planned motion to purchase materials; administrators said they will return with vendor quotes and a formal motion for board approval once committee recommendations are complete.