The Port Washington UFSD Curriculum Committee meeting on June 2, 2025, highlighted a significant shift in literacy education strategies, emphasizing the importance of parental involvement and the integration of new assessment tools.

A key focus was the district's "One School, One Book" initiative, which is expanding across schools, fostering partnerships with parents to enhance reading at home. Committee members stressed that reading to children is crucial for their literacy development, and they are committed to educating parents on this vital role.

The discussion also addressed the challenges faced by English Language Learners (ELL). It was noted that students who lack literacy in their home language may struggle with learning to read in English. To combat this, ELL teachers will now align their instruction with the foundational skills taught in general classrooms, ensuring a cohesive learning experience.

A major point of contention was the transition from the NWEA assessment to the I-Ready diagnostic tool. Committee members expressed frustration with NWEA's complexity in translating results into actionable teaching strategies. In contrast, I-Ready offers a more straightforward approach, allowing teachers to quickly identify and address students' weaknesses. This shift has led to a cultural change in how data is utilized, with more collaborative discussions among educators about student progress.

The committee also emphasized the need for consistent literacy instruction across grade levels. Concerns were raised about students transitioning from elementary to middle school without a solid foundation in literacy skills. The establishment of a K-5 committee aims to ensure that teaching methods are scaffolded effectively, providing a seamless educational experience for students as they progress through grades.

Overall, the meeting underscored the district's commitment to improving literacy outcomes through enhanced parental engagement, effective assessment tools, and a unified instructional approach across all grade levels. The anticipated outcome is a more cohesive and supportive learning environment that fosters literacy development for all students.