Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Literacy Curriculum topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
District panel recommends adopting Benchmark Advanced as K–5 literacy curriculum
Summary
An educator-led committee recommended Benchmark Advanced as the district's K–5 core literacy program after an 18-month review and pilot. The recommendation includes a four-year contract, significant print and digital materials, a pending Weld Trust grant application to offset year-one costs, and an implementation plan with early teacher training.
Karen Wiser, who led the district’s educator committee, told the board the group spent 18 months reviewing K–5 options and recommended Benchmark Advanced as the district’s Tier 1 literacy curriculum because it aligns with Colorado standards and the science of reading. “We started in the fall of 2024,” Wiser said, “we looked at needs, ran a strengths-weaknesses-opportunities-threats analysis and piloted several products. Through consensus we arrived at this recommendation.”
Emily Neward, a fourth-grade teacher who participated in the pilot, said the program is comprehensive and matched teacher training in the science of reading: “We are recommending Benchmark Advanced. It is a comprehensive K–5 literacy program focusing on reading, writing, speaking, language and listening standards.” Paty Bernh, the district instructional specialist on the team, said the program vertically aligns grade-to-grade and embeds authentic texts across content areas.
Kindergarten pilot teacher Kelly Rodri described student engagement with the program’s decodables and classroom magazines and said materials supported differentiated instruction. “My kindergarteners were so excited about it, so engaged,” she said. Pilot teachers also praised the teacher-facing pacing and assessment supports that guide instruction.
During questioning board members sought specifics on price, print versus digital balance, and intervention supports. Administration said the recommended contract is for multiple years with consumables included across the contract period; digital access is an enhancement but the vendor supplies substantial printed materials (decodables and annotated magazines) and assessments can be administered in print or digitally. The administration said tier-two and tier-three intervention programs exist separately and this recommendation covers Tier 1 instruction for all students.
Superintendent Nielson told the board the district has applied for a proactive grant from the Weld Trust to cover much of the first-year cost and professional development but cautioned the grant review remains in process. Board members asked that the administration provide enrollment-sensitive cost estimates and a clear line-item budget before a March vote; the board will revisit the item at its March meeting.
The presenters outlined an implementation roadmap: early, optional teacher orientation this spring, a launch training in August and recurring, job-embedded professional development during year one, supported by an implementation team with school-level representatives. The committee emphasized de-implementation of overlapping materials and building administrator support and classroom observation practices to ensure consistent use.
The board did not vote on adoption at this meeting; staff said adoption will be scheduled for a future meeting pending more detailed cost information and the outcome of the Weld Trust grant review.
