The Wiseburn Unified School District is launching a significant initiative to enhance literacy education, focusing on evidence-based practices aligned with the science of reading. During the recent Board Meeting on July 17, 2025, district leaders outlined a comprehensive plan to support educators in improving literacy instruction, particularly for students in transitional kindergarten through fifth grade.

Central to this initiative is the establishment of the Literacy Investment Fund, which aims to address the district's Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) goals centered on student well-being and future readiness. The plan emphasizes structured literacy training for teachers, moving away from traditional balanced literacy methods that have dominated California classrooms for decades. "We need to get back to our structured components," a district representative stated, highlighting the importance of equipping educators with the necessary skills to ensure all students can read at high levels.

This summer, the district will kick off a 20-hour training program called "Getting Reading Right," supported by the Los Angeles County Department of Education. The training will provide practical strategies that teachers can implement immediately in their classrooms. Impressively, 68 out of 82 teachers have signed up for this summer training, showcasing a strong commitment to professional development.

In addition to the summer training, the district plans to collaborate with Bellflower Unified School District for further training opportunities in the fall. By December 1, all TK through fifth-grade teachers are expected to complete their training, with additional support planned for middle school educators in the winter.

The district is also evaluating its current curriculum, which is based on balanced literacy, to identify supplemental materials that align with structured literacy practices. This approach aims to close achievement gaps and foster a culture of excellence within the community.

The Literacy Investment Fund is estimated to allocate around $162,000, primarily for teacher training and instructional resources. The district is optimistic that these efforts will lead to improved literacy outcomes for students, with ongoing assessments planned to measure the effectiveness of the new strategies.

As Wiseburn Unified embarks on this ambitious literacy initiative, the focus remains clear: to empower educators and ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed in reading and beyond.