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District outlines Read Act implementation and K–2 curriculum rollout
Summary
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Chris Belmont told the board the district is implementing the Read Act (2023) with universal screening (FastBridge), follow-up dyslexia screening, and a planned K–2 rollout of a new comprehensive literacy curriculum (EL Education); the district also plans further screening and professional development for grades 6–12.
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Chris Belmont presented the district's local literacy plan and progress on Read Act requirements, emphasizing screening, curriculum, and staff development.
Belmont said the Read Act requires districts to submit local literacy plans and implement screening and assessment tools. He described the district's use of FastBridge for universal screening (K–5 triannually) and follow-up screening for dyslexia characteristics using an additional assessment for students not meeting grade-level expectations. Belmont said the district has begun to expand screening approaches for grades 6–12 and piloted a new tool in 10th grade this year.
On curriculum, Belmont said the district completed a pilot of state-recommended comprehensive literacy programs at Vista View and Sky Oaks and selected EL Education for broader adoption. The district will begin broader K–2 rollout next year with early-implementer sites; Belmont emphasized fidelity of implementation, coaching, and classroom-level supports so that curriculum and foundational literacy practices work together.
Board members described early K–5 gains observed by tutors and staff. Director Anderson said she has seen improvements in foundational skills and scoring, and the board asked for next-year data and clearer school reports tied to district priorities. Belmont also noted statewide disparities and told the board a recent report indicated high disproportionality, saying, "I think that report had something like 85% of our Spanish speaking students not being at grade level for literacy," a figure he characterized as approximate and in need of targeted intervention. The district will continue to refine assessment strategies and report progress to the board.
