Paynesville presents local literacy plan under Read Act; adopts Benchmark Advance for K—

Cassie, the district's elementary principal, presented Paynesville's local literacy plan required under Minnesota's Read Act and said the district's goal is that "all students achieve grade level reading proficiency by the end of third grade."

The plan formalizes several components: FastBridge as the universal screener (fall, winter, spring), creation of Personal Learning Plans to notify families when a student is not at grade level, use of evidence-based interventions within an expanded K— MTSS framework, and the inclusion of dyslexia screening elements within FastBridge (the district emphasized screening for characteristics, not diagnosing dyslexia).

Curriculum and training: Cassie said the district will adopt Benchmark Advance (2022 edition) for K— and align professional development to the science of reading. "After much research and collaboration, we have decided to go with Benchmark Advance," she said, and added that staff will continue Letters training in phased cohorts to meet MDE expectations. The plan includes flowcharts and diagnostic assessments to determine targeted interventions and exit criteria when a student meets benchmarks.

Funding and timing: staff described two state funding streams tied to Read Act implementation and noted an estimated per-pupil allocation referenced in the legislative update; the district stated it will submit the required digital survey to MDE by June 15. Cassie said some MDE guidance is still forthcoming and the district will update plans as that guidance arrives.

Next steps: district leaders will implement Benchmark Advance in the coming year, begin phased staff training, continue MTSS expansion into middle grades, and share Personal Learning Plans with families as required by the Read Act. The transcript records no formal board vote on the plan at this meeting.