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Parent and resident urge district to adopt science-of-reading curriculum instead of Wonders
Summary
Two members of the public addressed the board during the second privilege-of-the-floor, urging adoption of a science-of-reading curriculum (citing CKLA) and arguing that the current Wonders program is outdated and not aligned with state guidance.
During the public-comment portion of the meeting, two speakers urged the board to review elementary reading materials and adopt a science-of-reading curriculum.
Amy Marla, who identified herself with Saginaw Elementary and invited the board to upcoming school events, spoke briefly about student participation in school productions.
A second speaker who did not state a name (identified in the meeting transcript as a resident) spoke at length about reading instruction in the elementary schools, asking the board why the district continues to use the Wonders program. The resident described Wonders as “an outdated curriculum” and said it was not aligned with what New York State has described as the science-of-reading approach. She urged the district to consider alternatives such as CKLA, noting that some area districts have already made the change. She also said teachers are using their own time for professional development to remediate issues caused by the current curriculum and described a personal concern for a child with dyslexia who must relearn material after classroom instruction.
The speaker requested the board prioritize teacher training in the science of reading and begin a curriculum review so the district does not lose more families. The board did not respond with a formal timetable for curriculum review during the meeting; the superintendent and staff acknowledged receipt of the comments and the standard process for curriculum adoption would require staff review, recommendations and board consideration.
Clarifying details: the commenter referenced that New York State expected districts to implement permanent science-of-reading approaches by Sept. 1, 2025 (the transcript referenced a date-related requirement), and recommended CKLA as a replacement; the speaker described the district's current use of Wonders as a long-standing choice but did not present a formal petition or specific vendor contract details to the board at the meeting.
