Empowering Futures: Strengthening Literacy at Willmar Public Schools

In the spirit of February being I Love to Read Month, I felt compelled to share the significant impact that literacy has on the development of our students’ learning journeys. Literacy is often described as the gateway to education and the key to unlocking a world of knowledge and opportunity. At Willmar Public Schools, we recognize the importance of literacy in the development of our students’ learning journeys. It is the foundation upon which all other areas of instruction are built, and it plays a pivotal role in shaping their future success.

In our pursuit of continuous improvement, we have commenced the journey to strengthen literacy within our learning organization. Last school year our Elementary English Language Arts Curriculum Review Committee began reviewing a new reading curriculum, however, the 2023 legislative session prompted a change of course due to the passage of the READ Act. As per the guidelines set forth by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), beginning on July 1, 2024, every district was mandated to furnish teachers and instructional support staff entrusted with the responsibility of teaching reading with comprehensive training in evidence-based instruction. In addition, the MDE selected approved curricula, screeners, and interventions for literacy instruction.

Choosing the Right Path

The first step in our journey towards improved literacy and compliance with the READ Act involved selecting the most effective training program for our educators. A PreK-12 Literacy Committee of 31 educators has narrowed the choices to the Online Language and Literacy Academy (OL&LA) and Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS). In February, our local cabinet, which includes superintendents, directors, and principals, reviewed these options and concluded that the Online Language & Literacy Academy (OL&LA) would be well-suited for our district. This program offers comprehensive training to equip our teachers with the knowledge and tools they need in their consistent pursuit of improving literacy instruction.

Minnesota’s READ Act has also created mandatory screeners for school districts throughout our state. As a result, the MDE selected the DIBELS 8th Edition and FastBridge which are both educational assessment tools used to measure students’ progress and proficiency in various aspects of reading and literacy. These tools are primarily utilized in elementary and middle school settings to help teachers identify students who may need additional support in reading, as well as to monitor the effectiveness of interventions and instruction over time.

A final requirement of the READ is selecting an approved curriculum if districts plan to use READ Act funds to pay for it. Currently, the MDE has approved the following curriculum.

Comprehensive Curricula

• EL Education, Open Up Resource, 2017

Foundational Curricula

• Magnetic Reading K-2, Curriculum Associates, copyright 2023

• UFLI Foundation K-2, copyright 2022

• University of MN Functional Phonics+Morphoology K-5, copyright August 2023

Knowledge Building Curricula

• Wit & Wisdom-Great Minds, copyright 2023

Our Team

Carrie Thomas, the Director of Teaching and Learning at Willmar Public Schools, invited staff members to join the PreK-12 Literacy Committee. This new committee was tasked with reviewing the MDE’s approved professional development options and mandatory literacy screening tools. Thirty-one members of our school district responded to this call to action, demonstrating the high value our staff places on literacy. We are proud of this response and extend our gratitude to the educators who became part of our guiding coalition.

The Minnesota Legislature mandated each district to appoint a Literacy Lead, a role we proudly filled this year with Katelyn Skudlarek. Katelyn brings a deep passion for literacy and a strong foundation in the science of reading. Throughout the year, she has conducted highly effective professional development sessions for our staff, laying the groundwork for the required upcoming training.

Focus and the Future

As we celebrate I Love to Read Month, Willmar Public Schools' dedication to advancing literacy highlights our commitment to empowering students with the skills necessary for lifelong success. Our journey, enriched by the expertise of passionate educators, underscores the collective effort to elevate literacy education. By selecting approved curricula and professional development programs, we are not only complying with the READ Act but are also laying a robust foundation for our students. As we move forward, our focus remains on nurturing a culture of reading that opens doors to endless possibilities for our students.