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East Kingston adopts Fish Tank literacy program after strong preliminary state assessment gains
Summary
Following preliminary spring assessment results showing large gains in reading and math, the East Kingston board voted to adopt the Fish Tank K–5 literacy program (estimated $8,900–$9,000 implementation cost) and to use REAP grant funds and district resources for rollout and PD.
The East Kingston School Board voted June 8 to adopt the Fish Tank literacy program for K–5 after staff presented preliminary spring assessment results and a cost comparison of two literacy pilots.
Allison presented preliminary state assessment data showing substantial year-over-year gains: reading proficiency increased from about 47% in the fall to roughly 81% in the spring; math proficiency for grades 3–5 was reported at about 67% compared with a preliminary state average near 49%; ELA proficiency was reported around 80–81% versus a state average of approximately 54%; and fifth-grade science was reported at about 82% versus a state average near 38%. Staff emphasized these are preliminary figures and that official state releases will follow later.
District teachers piloted two literacy programs during the year. Staff reported Arts and Letters would have cost roughly $27,000 (though that program’s early cost was covered by a grant), while Fish Tank’s estimated up-front and recurring costs are lower: a yearly license near $2,400 plus upfront book purchases with an approximate total implementation cost for East Kingston of about $8,900–$9,000. The REAP (Rural Education) grant was cited as a prior funding source for literacy-related professional development and could help cover PD and rollout costs.
The board moved to approve Fish Tank, the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. Staff said summer PD will begin in August and that collaborating schools in the SAU will calibrate competencies and instructional units to align K–5 instruction.
Next steps: staff will finalize book lists, licensing and a PD schedule and present a more detailed implementation plan and budget in the fall.
