During the recent FPS Board of Education meeting held on April 22, 2025, significant discussions emerged regarding the district's approach to reading and mathematics curricula. The meeting highlighted concerns about the effectiveness of the current educational strategies and the need for a more thorough evaluation of the materials being used.

One of the primary topics was the debate over the adoption of the Lucy Hawkins approach to reading, which emphasizes whole language learning, as opposed to traditional phonics methods. A board member expressed skepticism about whether this new approach would address the underlying issues contributing to students' poor performance in numeracy. They noted that despite extensive literature on the subject, there was no clear evidence that the proposed curriculum would lead to significant improvements.

The discussion also touched on the broader implications of teaching methods in mathematics, particularly the ongoing debate between Common Core standards and traditional math approaches. The board member referenced a book titled "The Great Classroom Collapse," which contrasts these two methodologies and suggests that the current curriculum may not adequately support students' learning needs.

Concerns were raised about the collaborative process in curriculum development, with the member arguing that it often results in a disparity between those who actively engage with the material and those who do not. They emphasized the importance of hands-on learning, particularly for younger students in grades K through 1, who require a solid foundation in their early education.

The meeting concluded with a call for further examination of the curriculum choices made by the district, as many questions remained unanswered regarding the selection process and its implications for student performance. The board's discussions underscored the critical need for ongoing evaluation and adaptation of educational strategies to better serve the needs of all students in the district.