The Bellevue School District's recent board meeting highlighted significant advancements in literacy education, showcasing the positive impact of new curriculum initiatives on student engagement and achievement. Jennifer Rivera, a multilingual curriculum developer, opened the session by celebrating the successes of the district's literacy programs, which have notably improved student confidence and motivation in reading and writing.

Rivera shared inspiring stories from educators, including a first-grade teacher who expressed confidence that all her students would be reading by the end of the year. The meeting featured a video of fifth-grade students discussing their growth in literacy, emphasizing the supportive classroom environment that encourages them to excel. Rivera underscored the importance of literacy as a fundamental human right, quoting Maya Angelou to reinforce the district's commitment to empowering future generations through education.

Sergio de Santiago, a first-grade teacher at Lake Hills Elementary, presented on the new ARC literacy curriculum, which promotes deeper engagement and critical thinking among students. He highlighted the curriculum's integration of reading and writing, which fosters fluency and confidence. De Santiago also discussed the implementation of phonics programs, such as UFLI and Heggerty, which are essential for building foundational skills in both English and Spanish.

Mandy Sin, another educator, shared her experiences with the ARC curriculum, noting how it encourages students to connect their learning to the real world. She reported that 85% of her students are reading at or above grade level, attributing this success to the combination of ARC, UFLI, and Heggerty programs.

The board discussion that followed included Director Arce's acknowledgment of the importance of monitoring early literacy scores, particularly DIBELS, to ensure ongoing support for K-2 students. Arce emphasized the need for consistency in teaching decoding skills, reflecting the board's commitment to maintaining high educational standards.

Overall, the meeting underscored the Bellevue School District's dedication to enhancing literacy education, with educators expressing optimism about the future and the potential for continued student success. As the district moves forward, the focus will remain on refining teaching strategies and ensuring that all students receive the tools necessary for academic achievement.