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ELA review recommends K–12 framework, common assessments and a districtwide independent-reading program
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Summary
ELA department presented a two‑year review that identified inconsistencies in standards alignment and recommended a K–12 ELA framework, common rubrics and an independent reading program with phased implementation beginning in 2026–27.
The North Allegheny English language arts department presented a two-year curriculum review on April 15 that recommends a K–12 framework aligned to Pennsylvania ELA standards, common assessments and grading rubrics, and a districtwide independent-reading program.
"We are certainly not starting from scratch," Jeremy Rak, ELA department chair, told the board. He said the review found "inconsistencies" where curriculum did not align reliably to PA standards and recommended reversing the typical tendency to pick texts first in favor of "starting with what skills our students need." Rak described a phased rollout beginning in 2026–27 for planning and piloting and broader implementation in 2027–28, with ongoing review in 2028 and beyond.
The report lists seven major recommendations; Rak presented three in detail: (1) a K–12 curriculum framework with scope and sequence and nonnegotiable instructional practices to ensure consistent high-quality instruction; (2) common, standards-aligned assessments and shared rubrics supported by an assessment PLC and collaborative grading; and (3) comprehensive independent-reading programs and literacy engagement strategies, including protected independent-reading time and teacher-led pilots to build reading stamina.
Staff members noted grade-band specifics: AIMSweb is used as the universal screener in K–2, STAR and Study Island benchmarks are used for grades 3–8, and the department intends to develop common assessments for grades 9–12 to provide ongoing local data beyond Keystone and college-readiness exams. The team identified HMH as a potential middle-school resource to provide full texts and more standard-based materials than the district's prior StudySync adoption.
Board members welcomed the emphasis on consistency, asked for clarifications about what will change versus what will be built on, and urged administrators to consider Canvas and existing district systems when implementing the framework. The presentation closed with thanks to contributors and an offer to answer follow-up questions as the phased work continues.
