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County Office describes SIPPS literacy pilot, paraeducator training and CTE plans
Summary
Staff outlined a SIPPS intervention targeting older struggling readers, training paraeducators alongside teachers to deliver small‑group instruction, and grant‑funded CTE opportunities for Court and Community Schools; trustees asked about scaling and sustainability.
County Office staff described their Systematic Instruction in Phonological Awareness, Phonics, and Sight Words (SIPPS) pilot at Hillcrest and how the instructional model will expand to other sites.
Executive Director Sarah Notch said the SIPPS pilot is age‑appropriate for older struggling readers and that statewide reporting will center on Hillcrest while instructional practices are available at other sites. Associate Superintendent Kris Shouse highlighted that SIPPS allows flexible small‑groupings and requires practice and fluency work; paraeducators are being trained alongside teachers so classrooms can run two SIPPS skill groups at once.
Board Member Chelsea Bonini emphasized the need for a sustained, curriculum‑embedded literacy plan and asked who will lead and fund the work. Trustees discussed leveraging county partnerships — Board Member Susan Alvaro offered to connect staff with the San Mateo County Library System for tutoring support — and staff said they will bring a fuller report on literacy interventions across Court and Community Schools to a future meeting.
