Literacy Steering Committee

Over the past several years, our district has dedicated significant time and resources to research and evaluate the most effective methods for teaching reading. Based on the latest educational research, we have shifted from a balanced literacy approach to one grounded in the Science of Reading and evidence-based instructional practices. The Science of Reading is a comprehensive, evidence-based approach that integrates phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension to support students in becoming proficient readers. 

In the 2023-2024 school year, the District launched a Literacy Steering Committee to guide this shift. The committee of nearly 50 stakeholders met 10 times and included teachers and administrators representing the following areas: classroom teachers, special education, AIS and reading specialists, ENL, school psychologists, librarians and speech pathologists. Some committee representatives also met with community stakeholders this year including parents, higher education administrators, and Board of Education members.

The committee was tasked with the following:

  • Gaining a deeper understanding of the science of reading
  • Evaluating our current literacy practices through the lens of the science of reading
  • Reviewing the recently released NYSED Literacy Briefs
  • Developed a district-wide mission, vision, and guiding principles for literacy instruction 

During the 2024-2025 school year, over sixty K-6 classrooms are piloting new ELA curriculum. If you are interested in reading more about the two programs being piloted, please see the pilot section below.

2024-2025 K-6 ELA Pilot

When will the District switch ELA programs?

Over 60 teachers in grades K-6 will be piloting two new curriculum programs during the 2024-2025 school year. The pilot teachers and the Literacy Steering Committee will make a decision on a program to adopt on March 7, 2025. It is expected that the new program will be adopted at the Board of Education meeting in April 2025. The adopted program will be implemented fully in September 2025.

If you would like to view information regarding both programs, please see below:

How were the pilot programs selected?

Members of the Literacy Steering Committee utilized the following reports, recommendations and guidance to identify a list of potential pilot programs which aligned with the science of reading and recent guidance released by the New York State Education Department (NYSED).

Four curriculum companies were offered the opportunity to present their program to our committee. Committee members were then asked to vote on two final programs to be piloted in the district. The two selected were Amplify CKLA and Fishtank.

What type of professional learning have teachers participated in to prepare for this shift?

Professional Learning 2023-2024 School Year:

  • All K-3 teachers were trained in UFLI, our foundational skills/phonics program.
  • Over 50 teachers participated in the Literacy Steering Committee.
  • Over 100 teachers participated in a book study with the text Shifting the Balance.
  • Over 85 teachers earned the SUNY New Paltz Science of Reading microcredential.
  • Teacher leaders and administrators participated in the Teacher Leader Intro Day with The Reading League.
  • School psychologists and reading specialists participated in 4 days of professional learning with SUNY Oswego on diagnosing and supporting students with dyslexia.

Professional Learning 2024-2025 School Year:

During the 2024-2025 school year, the district has partnered with The Reading League to provide professional learning through seven key sessions:

  • Administrator Introduction Day - 5 hours
  • Teacher Introduction Day - 5 hours
  • Oral Language Development to Boost Comprehension & Composition - 2.5 hours
  • Phonemic Awareness - 2.5 hours
  • Phonic Knowledge - 2.5 hours
  • 6-Step Lesson Plan for Decoding, Spelling and Fluency, Part A - 2.5 hours
  • 6-Step Lesson Plan for Decoding, Spelling and Fluency, Part B - 2.5 hours

How can families learn more about the science of reading?

Families are encouraged to review the resources shared on this page.

On March 4, 2025, the district will host a Literacy Focused Parent Information Series session. This session will be presented by The Reading League. More information about this session will be sent to district families closer to the date of the event.

Will report cards change when the curriculum changes?

One of the key changes associated with this shift is the discontinuation of running records as a formal assessment tool. While running records have been a staple in our assessment practices, we have learned that they do not provide the most accurate or useful information about a student's reading abilities. Instead, we will be adopting new assessment tools that align with the Science of Reading, allowing us to more effectively monitor and support each student's reading development.