Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Curriculum topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Stevensville district pursues 'science of reading' curriculum; trustees expect recommendation by March
Summary
District staff and a literacy consultant briefed trustees on adopting curriculum grounded in the 'science of reading.' The board heard plans for teacher training, a phased timeline and a March recommendation, with possible purchasing in April and summer teacher rollout.
District staff told the Stevensville School Board they are building a districtwide philosophy and plan to select literacy materials grounded in the "science of reading," with a recommendation expected by March.
A third‑party literacy consultant worked with teachers and administrators in a multi‑day session, and staff described a process that includes (1) forming a teacher selection team, (2) building a scope-and-sequence and district philosophy, (3) selecting materials aligned to that philosophy, and (4) providing professional development and trainer-of-trainers support for summer rollout. Staff member (S5) said the goal is to ensure the curriculum aligns with evidence on how students learn to read: “there is a way that 95 percent of kids are able to learn how to read,” and the district wants materials and training consistent with that science.
Trustees pressed for clarity on cost, timelines and data. Staff said they will return with recommended materials by March and that, if approved, the district could purchase by April so teachers have time to review materials before the next school year. The administration noted that a recent grant application was not awarded and that purchases would rely on district budgeting and any available grants.
What this means: the district plans a phased adoption with teacher involvement and data checks; trustees asked staff to provide budget estimates and student‑achievement baselines when the March recommendation appears.
