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Sarasota schools report measurable reading gains, plan expansion of interventions and programs
Summary
District officials told the school board they have strengthened K—2 instruction, expanded literacy coaching and Read 180 programming, and are seeing year-over-year proficiency gains—while urging continued funding and partnerships to sustain progress.
The Sarasota County School Board heard a progress report on the district's comprehensive evidence-based reading plan at its May 5 work session, where officials said targeted instruction, coaching and monitoring have produced measurable student gains.
The presentation, led by Superintendent Connor and curriculum staff including Miss Rachel OD and Miss Minnelli, outlined systemwide changes: a district-wide comprehensive instructional plan (CIP), targeted K—2 scheduling (WIN block), credentialing expectations for teachers providing intensive interventions, and expanded use of Read 180 in secondary schools. "This is an annual requirement put forth by the Florida Department of Education," Miss OD said, describing steps the district has taken to align to research-based practices.
Why it matters: District leaders said the work is raising proficiency and narrowing gaps. Staff presented internal PM results showing aggregate reading proficiency improvements: 67% of students in grades 3—12 reading at grade level (an increase from prior years), an aggregate 3—10 proficiency of 53%, and a decline in the share of level-one readers to 17%. Miss Minnelli called the third-grade gains "very strong," and officials said PM3 results later this month would clarify trends further.
What officials described: Staff emphasized a 360-degree accountability cycle that combines classroom instruction, school-based coaching and data-driven intervention. Miss Minnelli highlighted early literacy strategies, reporting that district VPK baseline data show 86% of enrolled VPK students at or above benchmark and that VPK access will expand to 26 classrooms next year. The district also plans to scale Read 180 into middle schools and to expand summer bridge sites at Tuttle and Venice L.
Board reaction and next steps: Board members praised the plan and urged sharper tracking and legislative advocacy to sustain gains. "In the three decades that I've been part of this district, this is the most comprehensive reading plan that has ever taken hold and the data results are there to show the progress," Mrs. Rose said. Several members pressed staff for more cross-tabulated reporting (for example, VPK-to-third-grade trajectories and overlaying behavior and reading data) so the district can make the case to state lawmakers for continued and targeted funding.
Staff said the district will continue monitoring with PM3 data, refine MTSS supports for students not responding to tier-one instruction, and scale a cadre model of coaches to deploy literacy experts where need is greatest. The district also credited private grant partners for underwriting professional learning and noted plans to present the SER for board approval in June prior to state submission in August.
The board did not take formal action on the reading plan at the meeting; staff said some items will return for approval in June.
