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Bellbrook‑Sugarcreek endorses new K–12 English language arts materials; selects Wit & Wisdom for K–2
Summary
Following a year‑long review, the board voted June 28 to adopt a K–11 English language arts textbook package. The district recommended Wit & Wisdom for K–2 to align with existing foundational skills, Into Literature (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) for grades 9–11, and upgrades for middle school materials; the adoption includes phased implementation and state‑funded stipend pathways for required training.
After a multi‑month review and public preview, the Bellbrook‑Sugarcreek Local Board of Education approved a K–11 English language arts textbook package at its June 28 meeting based on the recommendation of Director of Curriculum Betsy Gann and the ELA adoption committee.
Gann described committee work that began in January 2023, vendor review using EdReports and ODEW guidance, building inventories of current materials, vendor visits at a Montgomery County ESC fair and two public review sessions (June 20 and June 24). She said the process emphasized alignment to the science of reading, vertical articulation across grade bands and closing gaps (vocabulary, grammar, writing) where supplements had previously been used.
For K–2 the committee recommended pairing the district’s existing foundational skills program with Wit & Wisdom (on ODEW’s approved list) so phonics/foundations and core texts align. Gann said Wit & Wisdom aligns with the district’s foundation program and argued alignment will limit redundant spending and instructional mismatch: "Wit and Wisdom is the choice there." For grades 6–8 the recommendation is to continue and upgrade My Perspectives; for grades 9–11 the committee recommended Houghton Mifflin Harcourt’s Into Literature to achieve a balance of literature and informational text. The committee also recommended primary and supplemental materials for AP Language and Literature that keep the district on the College Board’s 10‑year cycle.
Gann outlined a three‑phase implementation plan: year 1 professional learning and initial implementation, year 2 classroom rollout with monitoring and pacing checks, and year 3 deeper monitoring of student data to assess impact. She noted dyslexia screening and structured‑literacy training requirements; teachers will be eligible for state stipends (ranging approximately $400–$1,200) for completing the training outside contracted time, with a completion deadline of June 30, 2025.
Board members raised questions about the timing of other subject adoptions (notably math) and whether the district should wait for state lists; Gann and members agreed to monitor future state actions. A small number of parents attended the public review sessions and provided feedback that the committee will follow up on.
The board approved the textbook adoption on a roll‑call vote. Implementation steps and training will be coordinated by the curriculum office and building implementation teams over the coming school year.
