After yearlong pilot, committee recommends Magnetic Literacy for elementary ELA; board hears implementation plan

The Newburgh City School District told trustees on May 12 that a districtwide committee of teachers, coaches, bilingual staff and community members piloted elementary ELA curricula and recommended Magnetic Literacy as the district’s primary core program.

Assistant superintendent (curriculum) described a process that began when the district lacked a core ELA curriculum. Teams observed classrooms, reviewed materials and piloted multiple programs from October through April; teachers across grade levels and bilingual staff evaluated programs for tier‑1 instruction, cultural relevance and assessment alignment. Teacher panelists who participated in the pilot described classroom lessons, walkthroughs, and collaborative feedback that informed the committee’s recommendation.

The assistant superintendent told trustees, "The committee has voted for Magnetic Literacy," and said implementation will include summer professional learning, materials distribution before September and supports from the Newburgh Teacher Center so teachers are not ‘handed something in the eleventh hour.’ She also noted the committee remained curriculum‑agnostic in facilitation, emphasizing the decision was collaborative and grounded in teacher voice and classroom evidence.

Trustees pressed for details on the phased rollout, alignment with existing diagnostics (i‑Ready) and data collection; presenters said the program will begin in September with ongoing professional development and that implementation science suggests 3–5 years to see sustained results. Community commenters who served on the committee praised the process as inclusive and collaborative.

Next steps: Teachers will receive materials and professional learning over the summer; the district will monitor implementation and report data to the board as the program is phased in.