Development News for West St. Paul, Minnesota

District Updates on READ Act Literacy Initiative: Teacher Training, Funding, and Early Positive Impacts

The board received an update on the implementation of the READ Act, a state statute aimed at improving literacy instruction using the science of reading methodology. The district has trained 1,056 teachers in Phase 1 (Year 1) of the 'Carryall' program and is currently training 252 teachers in Phase 1 (Year 2), including additional staff such as 6-12 EL educators and special education teachers for the blind, visually impaired, and deaf/hard of hearing. Pre-K and ECSE teachers are also participating in a separate 'Letters for Early Childhood' training. The district receives local literacy aid funding, totaling $1,159,148 for 2024-25, which is used for stipends, professional development, and screening tools. The training focuses on foundational literacy skills and has shown preliminary positive impacts on student learning, particularly in third-grade FAST assessment scores. Future plans include continued professional development, implementing a dyslexia screener for grades 4-12, and potential adjustments to secondary English Language Arts teacher training.

District Policy Updates Focus on Clarity and Streamlining of Club Activities and School Calendar Procedures

The board discussed proposed updates to district policies. Policy 507, 'School Sponsored Activities, Clubs,' was revised to clarify its purpose and update language, emphasizing that student clubs enrich education and require adult guidance, while adhering to laws and policies. The board recommended this policy for a first reading at the October 21st BOE meeting. Policies 603 ('Organization of School Calendar and School Day') and 603.01 ('School Day, Student Arrival and Departure Time') are being combined and updated into a single policy, 603, to streamline information and accurately reflect current practices. The new policy will include the purpose of timely calendar determination, acknowledge the meet and confer process with bargaining units, and retain community engagement. Policy 603.01 is being rescinded as its content is incorporated into the new policy 603. The board also confirmed that changes to the school day require school board approval.