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Board adopts Bookworms reading program, administrators outline roll‑out and training
Summary
After months of committee review, the board approved the Bookworms K–5 reading program and associated professional development; administrators cited University of Delaware research backing, differentiation supports and a PD plan, while some trustees stressed teacher buy‑in and rollout monitoring.
The Jenkintown School District board voted on June 10 to adopt Bookworms as the district’s K–5 reading program and to move forward with implementation plans, including professional development and schedule adjustments to support fidelity.
Administrators said teachers had screened three research‑based options (Wit & Wisdom, Bookworms, CKLA/Amplify) and engaged educators from other districts using the programs. According to the administration’s summary, Wit & Wisdom fell from consideration after practitioner feedback; Bookworms was recommended because it includes a dedicated differentiated instruction block, authentic grade‑level texts, explicit writing instruction and extensive professional development offered through the University of Delaware.
The administration presented cost comparisons over a three-year window: Wit & Wisdom cited at about $175,000; CKLA roughly $100,000; and Bookworms reported at approximately $115,000–$125,000 depending on the materials purchased. Administrators emphasized they would not skimp on materials needed for fidelity and that a professional learning committee of teachers would work with district leaders on rollout and monthly check‑ins.
Trustees pressed administrators to ensure teacher buy‑in, to provide articulation time when teachers change grade bands, and to monitor implementation closely. Administrators said they expect summer training, coaching lessons from program representatives, monthly teacher check‑ins, and expanded common planning time built into next year’s schedules to support implementation. They also noted that three instructional assistants were added to the budget to assist elementary implementation and that starting salaries for assistants were increased to support hiring and retention.
A motion to approve items 5.1 and 5.2 — which included the Bookworms adoption and related personnel and implementation items — was made, seconded and passed by the board during the meeting.
Administrators said they will make program videos and parent letters available online, host information sessions early next school year and use teacher focus groups and Title I surveys to collect feedback during the first year of implementation.
