Natomas Unified unveils "Read to Succeed" early-literacy push for TK–2

The Natomas Unified School District board on May 7 heard a presentation on a new early-literacy initiative called Read to Succeed, aimed at students in transitional kindergarten through second grade.

Chief Academic Officer Angela Herrera told trustees the program centers on the "science of reading," common assessments and expanded in-class coaching. "Our initiative is called Read to Succeed," Herrera said in the presentation, describing plans for common diagnostics (i-Ready), targeted professional development for teachers and classroom-based coaching by teachers on special assignment (TOSAs). Herrera said the district will identify two model sites for implementation and will monitor progress with common assessments and routine data collection.

Herrera said the program will be complemented by family engagement materials and a districtwide event on May 9 called "Blast Off with Books," during which elementary sites will distribute books and host literacy activities. Trustees asked how the district will capture parent feedback and how teachers were involved in creating the plan. Herrera said the district has produced digital "student success guides" and conducted road shows with principals and TK–2 teachers; an instructional framework work group and other teacher work groups provided input during development.

Trustee Hardin urged consistent training for TOSAs and broader rollout to K–5 in time, while noting the long-standing need to support older students who remain below grade level. Herrera and staff acknowledged that impacts will be measured over several years and said additional staffing and reporting will come back to the board when implementation steps are requested.