District says AmeriCorps tutors helped expand early‑reading supports; program served 463 students this year
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Summary
District reading‑tutor supervisor Jenny described a scripted ReadingCore program delivered by AmeriCorps tutors that grew from about 275 students in 2022 to 463 in 2025–26; tutors receive monthly fidelity checks, annual background checks and data is tracked with FastBridge.
Jenny, the district’s internal‑site supervisor for reading tutors, told the board that the ReadingCore program uses AmeriCorps‑placed tutors to deliver scripted phonics and fluency interventions for K–3 students. Tutors provide short, focused sessions (typically 20 minutes) in 1:1 or 1:2 settings; the district requires a licensed teacher to serve as the internal coach in each building and conducts monthly fidelity observations and graph reviews.
Jenny said the district switched to FastBridge progress monitoring two years ago to align benchmarks across schools and that FastBridge probes are used for weekly progress checks. She described eligibility as students who score slightly below target on universal screening (Tier 2 in MTSS), noting ELL and Title‑1 students can receive both school‑based interventions and ReadingCore services.
On program size, Jenny reported historical and current participation numbers: roughly 275 K–3 students served in 2022 (24 exits recorded by March that year) and 463 students served in 2025–26 with 114 exited to date. She clarified that an "exit" indicates a student met the program's fluency or math benchmark, not permanent removal from other supports.
Board members asked about tutor selection, training and safety. Jenny said principals request tutors and a district hiring team completes selection; tutors are not district employees (they are AmeriCorps placements), must pass annual background checks, and the district provides in‑person training and monthly observation for fidelity. District staff added that central coordination and a designated coaching specialist helped grow the number of tutors and that some buildings still maintain wait lists.
Administration indicated a request for continued funding and expansion of MathCore next year, and noted that spring months (April–May) are key for additional growth in student outcomes. The board did not take separate action on the presentation; it moved on to subsequent agenda items.
