Board hears recommendation to adopt new literacy curricula and propose STAR reading for district assessment

Miss Mead, introduced by district leadership as the presenter for curriculum matters, told the board that middle school teachers selected McGraw Hill''s Summit to replace Springboard and that high school teachers chose the Odell literacy program to provide more teacher autonomy and project-based learning opportunities.

"So the middle school teachers selected Springboard's update, which is purchased by McGraw Hill," Miss Mead said, describing the side-by-side comparison materials placed at board members' seats. She said teachers reviewed sample units and chose materials they judged best for students.

Miss Mead also discussed assessment changes. She said the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) did not approve FastBridge for the district''s intended secondary use and that staff have submitted a proposal to adopt the STAR reading system beginning next school year, with a recommendation coming to the board when ready.

"We have submitted a proposal to adopt STAR reading system starting with the next school year," Miss Mead said, adding that the district plans to use STAR more broadly than just in early grades to support PLC work and instructional planning. She emphasized the district is not asking for immediate approval but providing notice while staff complete planning and committee work.

On math assessment, the district noted Galileo will be decommissioned in September and staff are forming an assessment committee to review options and return a recommendation. The board''s comments during the meeting were supportive of the curriculum choices and interested in how the new materials will be implemented and assessed.

No formal adoption vote occurred at the meeting; the district will circulate supporting documents and return recommendations for any formal approvals at a future session.