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Candidates cite Read Act training as part of gains in reading; call for district-wide rollout
Summary
Panelists pointed to the state's Read Act and Robbinsdale's early teacher training in the science of reading as contributors to recent reading gains; they urged continued coaching, district-wide standardization and transparency about what the scores reflect.
When the forum moderator raised reported MCA proficiency figures (reading 41%, math 26%), candidates said the numbers show progress but not enough. Several credited the state's Read Act and early district investments in structured reading instruction for improvements.
"There's a new state law called the Read Act, and that mandates that all teachers understand learn, the science of how kids learn how to read. And Robbinsdale is ahead of the game because the school board... started having the teachers be trained in the science of reading," Rita Evans Becker said. Candidates also noted that pandemic-era enrollment changes and an influx of English-language learners can affect test results and that the district should explain context behind scores.
Suggestions included continued coaching for teachers, standardized implementation across buildings, and clear communication to families about how reading programs and testing are being used to guide instruction.
