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District reports early literacy gains after new phonics and knowledge‑building curricula
Summary
District literacy lead Skye reported training and curriculum changes (UFLY phonics, new knowledge‑building curriculum, LETRS/Science of Reading training) and early screening gains: district FastBridge literacy measures rose modestly in year 1 and middle‑school intervention pilots produced substantial exit rates.
The district’s literacy presentation outlined a large implementation effort: phonics curriculum rollout in K–2 (UFLY), a new knowledge‑building curriculum in K–5 English sections, and widespread Science of Reading/LETRS training. Skye said about 250 staff members were completing the Science of Reading training during the year.
Skye highlighted year‑one screening results showing recovery from an expected implementation dip and overall growth: district screening moved from roughly 69% to 72% on the spring FastBridge measure for K–5, and several buildings recorded double‑digit gains between fall and spring. She also described middle‑school "pony time" interventions and a Literacy Lab elective at the high school; at middle schools the pilot produced significant exit rates from interventions in one semester (with examples like 60% exiting in certain grades). The presenter said the state agreed to fund expansion of Science of Reading training for secondary teachers at no cost to the district.
"Two hundred fifty people are rounding that corner of completing the science of reading training," Skye said, emphasizing scale of professional development. District leaders said they expect continued growth over a three‑year implementation window and will monitor MCA results scheduled for release in September.
