Harrison curriculum team narrows literacy options, plans K–2 rollout after teacher review

The Harrison School District’s curriculum coordinator told the board the district has been evaluating DESE-approved literacy programs to address weaknesses in comprehension and vocabulary and that staff plan a phased rollout beginning with kindergarten through second grade.

Debbie Wilson summarized the committee’s work and cited district reading proficiency at roughly 51 percent — a rate she contrasted with a statewide level she gave at about 33 percent — while noting the district’s main gap is comprehension and vocabulary rather than foundational phonics.

“We use a very explicit phonics program for K–2 called Saxon Phonics,” Wilson said, and the committee has looked for a program with stronger comprehension and writing components. She said the curriculum team considered three DESE-approved programs: Arts and Letters, Open Up Resources and Fish Tank. The committee quickly eliminated Fish Tank because of community-fit concerns and its all-digital format.

Wilson said the committee reviewed samples by grade level, solicited teacher feedback and met March 10 without reaching consensus. “We had pros and cons of each,” she said, and added that middle school already uses Open Up Resources in grades 6–8 with positive literacy scores.

Next steps: Wilson said she expects to reconvene committees, finalize alignment and negotiate contracts for materials, professional development and coaching. The district’s plan is to implement the chosen program in kindergarten, first and second grade initially, then phase implementation for grades 3–5 in a subsequent year.

Board members thanked Wilson and emphasized the importance of local review; administrators said the committee will filter material to ensure community appropriateness before a final recommendation returns to the board.

No formal procurement or vendor contract was approved at this meeting; the item was presented for information and next steps.