Proviso 209 to pilot Read180 for freshmen, fund summer curriculum writing and replace early-childhood simulators

District academic leaders told the board they will pilot HMH’s Read180 literacy program for selected freshmen, seek teacher applicants for summer curriculum-writing stipends and replace aging early-childhood simulation equipment at Proviso West.

Alex, the deputy superintendent for academics, presented the Read180 pilot and said the district plans a targeted rollout for students identified in tiers 2 and 3 of MTSS, using study hall time repurposed as an "academic enrichment period." He gave a not-to-exceed figure of $74,500 for the first phase and described training, differentiated whole-group instruction and online-plus-print materials to be provided to teachers. "This is based around the science of reading," Alex said, adding that the pilot would initially cover approximately 400 students, with costs adjusted if enrollment grows.

Angela Marino, the district director of curriculum, asked board approval to post and staff about 40 summer curriculum-writing projects and said the total investment would be $99,710 from Title I and Title II allocations. "We're looking for teachers to be directly involved in writing curriculum," Marino said, adding the district prefers co-writing teams from different campuses to ensure cross-campus alignment.

On early-childhood equipment, Alex said the district needs to replace simulation 'real care' babies purchased in 2016, that the items carry warranties and upkeep requirements, and that the purchase would come from CTI and Perkins funds at "just under $40,000." Board members asked about maintenance and student-use agreements; Alex said he would return with warranty lengths and loan/usage policies.

Staff said formal action items would be brought to the board next month for approval where required.