The RSU 60/MSAD 60 Board Meeting held on May 15, 2025, focused primarily on the evaluation and potential continuation of the Bridge to Writing program, which has shown promising results in improving student writing skills in kindergarten through third grade.

The meeting began with a discussion led by educators who praised the program's structured approach to teaching writing. One teacher highlighted how the program effectively scaffolds learning, allowing students to progress from basic sentence construction to more complex writing tasks. This teacher noted significant growth in students' abilities to write complete sentences, understand grammar, and engage in peer editing. The emphasis on foundational skills was seen as crucial for fostering future creativity in writing.

Another educator shared personal observations about their child’s progress in writing, indicating that the program has encouraged students to take risks and express themselves without fear of making mistakes. This sentiment was echoed by other board members, who expressed their support for the program based on positive feedback from both teachers and parents.

The meeting also included a presentation of preliminary results from an efficacy study comparing the Bridge to Writing program with other writing curricula. According to the data, 62% of teachers using the Bridge program reported significant improvements in student writing quality, while none of the teachers using the alternative curriculum noted similar results. Engagement levels among students were also higher in the Bridge program, with most teachers reporting that their students were very or moderately engaged.

In light of these findings, the board discussed the recommendation to adopt the Bridge to Writing program for all K-3 classes in the upcoming school year. The conversation concluded with a consensus on the program's effectiveness and a commitment to further evaluate its impact as the efficacy study continues.

Overall, the meeting underscored the board's dedication to enhancing writing instruction and supporting student development through effective educational programs. The next steps will involve finalizing the study results and preparing for the potential implementation of the Bridge to Writing program across the district.