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Board approves comprehensive literacy plan after staff report showing early gains
Summary
The board approved a comprehensive literacy plan focusing on structured literacy across grades K–12 and adoption of an Emerge K–4 resource; presenters reported kindergarten proficiency rose from 30% to 41% and an 8th‑grade cohort improved from 62% to 72%.
The Brainerd Public School District board unanimously approved the district’s comprehensive literacy plan after a presentation from Dr. Kornia outlining implementation of structured‑literacy practices across early childhood through 12th grade.
Dr. Kornia said the district’s work ties to the Read Act and Minnesota grade‑level benchmarks and emphasized a three‑goal framework: implementing structured literacy (including peer coaching and PLC teams), using assessment data to guide interventions, and measuring impact. She noted this year’s CAPT rollout and FastBridge data use to inform Tier 2 interventions.
"Last year's kinders were 30% proficient last spring; we now have 41% of our kinders proficient this spring," Dr. Kornia told the board, while also highlighting that an 8th‑grade cohort rose from 62% to 72% proficient. Staff cautioned these are cohort comparisons and not direct longitudinal comparisons across different groups.
The board asked for access to the district data dashboard and praised the preliminary gains; Director Ward moved to approve the plan and the motion carried on roll call. Staff said the next steps include full implementation of the Emerge K–4 curriculum in 2026–27, continued Tier 2/Tier 3 refinement and ongoing professional development.
Board members thanked Dr. Kornia and staff for the work; the plan will be treated as an actionable implementation agenda at building and PLC levels.
