Board reviews first‑year implementation of new elementary ELA curriculum

District staff presented a year‑end report on the first year of implementation for the newly adopted Fish Tank Learning elementary English language arts curriculum.

Presenters described a three‑year implementation plan that included a train‑the‑trainer model with seven instructional leads, six professional development sessions, and grade‑level release days. Teachers reported Fish Tank provided rigorous, engaging texts and consistent instructional formats, but also flagged a need for more explicit writing instruction and concrete writing tools. One presenter said teachers identified student frustration where writing expectations were high but explicit writing scaffolds were not always embedded.

Staff outlined next steps for year two: selection of a supplemental writing framework (staff noted a summer review of Writing Revolution among options), continued grade‑level calibration and professional development, and a parent survey to gather family perspectives. Board members asked about vertical articulation with middle and high school and whether some texts duplicated across levels; staff said vertical planning is planned as part of next year’s calibration work.