In November, CNS wrote our first Spotlight on the ongoing K-5 Literacy Pilot. Literacy has remained a hot topic in Needham, so we recently sat down with Dr. Carmen Williams, NPS Assistant Superintendent of Instruction and Innovation, to learn even more about the history and progress of this pilot.
Background
When Dr. Williams came to Needham in July 2022, she began to look at updating the current literacy curriculum (Units of Study) based on new research on the science of reading. In October of 2022, funds were requested to begin a 3 phase pilot to determine the best literacy curriculum for Needham. An initial review of the curricula on the market and discussion with other districts about their experiences with different programs took place in Phase 1. Phase 2 solicited NPS teacher review and evaluation of materials of the top six programs. The expertise and feedback from NPS teachers were key to the selection of the final four curricula that are being piloted this year (ARC, Benchmark Advance, Collaborative Classroom, and Units of Study, 3rd edition, which has significant updates).
The MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) does not approve curricula for use and there is no legislative enforcement for specific curricula. Only a fraction of curricula on the market have been reviewed by DESE as this process is lengthy. The DESE CURATE review process is performed by teachers and evaluates curriculum materials but does not evaluate outcomes or efficacy of programs. Two of the curricula being piloted have not yet been reviewed. Because of the limitations of the DESE review process, DESE recommends that all districts do their own research on curriculum choices.
Pilot update
The district created a rubric for evaluation of the pilot programs that is based on but more extensive than the CURATE Rubric. They are currently collecting data from multiple sources including teacher feedback, student work, and assessments. A robust review committee with many different stakeholders (principals, preschool, elementary and middle school teachers, Special Education, ELL, and content specialists, and others) will evaluate this data and report to the NPS administration. Detailed slides can be found on the NPS website.
As high quality materials do not automatically equal high quality instruction, teacher support for any program is also essential. Teacher training and implementation will be key to a successful curriculum update. Instructional coaches and professional development are already built into the schedule to create the opportunity for deeper learning for both teachers and students.
Current status
The district is currently considering whether to extend the pilot for a second year to gather more data, and possibly evaluate other curricula that were not included in this original pilot (ex., Fishtank which has recently been adopted by Brookline Public Schools).
An update on the pilot will be presented to the School Committee at their May 20 meeting. The School Committee’s role in curriculum is not to select specific programs, resources, textbooks or materials; rather their role is to review data, discuss outcomes, provide overall feedback, advocate for and secure necessary funding, and ensure that student learning goals are being addressed consistent with district goals and priorities. Once data collection and analysis is complete, Literacy Director Lisa Messina, Dr. Williams and Dr. Gutekanst will review the findings and choose which curriculum to implement. As they do with all program areas, the School Committee would continue to receive updates and ask questions about curriculum implementation and efficacy to ensure staff have the resources and training they need and students are receiving high quality instruction.
The district welcomes community feedback on the K-5 Literacy Curriculum Review and Selection process via their feedback form.
Want to learn more?
More information about the current NPS Literacy curriculum, student screening assessment tools and the ongoing pilot can be found on the NPS website.
Please contact Dr. Carmen Williams, Assistant Superintendent of Instruction and Innovation, at carmen_williams@needham.k12.ma.us with any questions about the pilot process.