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Board approves one-year Avanza subscription for Spanish dual immersion program
Summary
The Monrovia Unified School District board approved a one-year Vista Higher Learning (Avanza) subscription for elementary Spanish dual immersion classes, with members asking for a midyear progress report and assurances it will not replace classroom instruction.
The Monrovia Unified School District Board of Education voted unanimously to approve a one-year subscription with Vista Higher Learning for the Avanza platform to support the district's elementary Spanish dual immersion (DI) program for the 2024-25 school year. The subscription includes licenses for students, teachers and administrators in the DI sites.
Board member Lockerby raised concerns that the platform could increase testing and tech time for students, asking whether Avanza might "create too much testing too much Tech time" or diverge from fidelity to classroom instruction. Dr. Hart Rus and staff explained that Avanza will be used as a teacher-aiding tool for small-group practice and benchmark assessments (beginning, middle and end of year) rather than a substitute for whole-group instruction. Lockerby requested a midyear progress report that includes input from DI teachers; staff agreed to provide that update.
Board member comments noted that the pilot was recommended by DI teachers and that the one-year subscription can be reviewed before any renewal. The motion to approve the one-year agreement passed on a 5-0 roll-call vote.
What this means: The district will deploy Avanza this school year in DI classrooms; the board will review evidence of efficacy and teacher feedback before considering renewal.
