Board committee urges plan to address middle-school reading gaps
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Summary
A curriculum committee update highlighted concerns about middle-school ELA performance and asked administration to present targeted intervention plans, noting limited current coverage for eighth grade and asking what resources would be required to improve outcomes.
Members of the board’s curriculum and student engagement committee told the full board they are concerned about middle-school English Language Arts achievement and want a clearer plan from administration on how to address students who score well below grade level.
Committee members said current intervention staffing covers limited groups (part‑time interventionists working with small groups in sixth and seventh grade) and that there is currently no regular intervention for eighth grade. The committee asked administration to present a resource-driven plan — including what could be done with a significant, hypothetical funding allocation — and requested details on expected outcomes.
Board members emphasized the district’s responsibility to ensure students can read at grade level before graduation. One director said, “I can’t see kids that are gonna walk a stage and not be able to read,” and the committee asked administration to work with middle‑school leaders to design a targeted intervention plan for grades 6–8.
Next steps: Administration was asked to return with a plan or options that clarify resources needed, proposed interventions, and projected outcomes so the board can consider whether to add funds or personnel in future budgets.
