Elementary ELA Curriculum Adoption

The Snoqualmie Valley School District is actively working to select a new K–5 English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum, with a target implementation date of Fall 2026.

A dedicated K–5 ELA Adoption Committee, including parents, teachers, and program specialists,  is currently leading a rigorous, multi-phase review process to ensure the selected curriculum meets the needs of all our students and aligns with the latest research-based instruction, including the Science of Reading (SoR) and LETRS principles.

The adoption process spans six key phases, beginning in Spring 2025 and culminating in the Fall 2026 launch.

Phase 1: Foundation & Initial Screening (Spring 2025)

• Focus: Define needs and narrow choices.
• Established adoption priorities, a timeline, and a rubric based on staff feedback, equity goals, and state standards (SBA).
• Identified the top three curricula for field testing: CKLA, myView, and Benchmark Advance.

Phase 2: Research & Shared Learning (May–June 2025)

• Focus: Establish a common knowledge base.
• Defined the committee's vision, goals, and non-negotiables.
• Reviewed professional evaluation tools (like The Reading League and EdReports) to ensure a shared understanding of the selection rubric.
• Prepared for the intensive Field Studies.

Phase 3: Field Study & Training (September 2025–February 2026)

• Focus: Test curricula in real-world classrooms.
• Selected specific K–2 and 3–5 classrooms for testing and provided vendor training to participating teachers.
• Collected extensive data from classrooms, including student work, progress monitoring (e.g., fluency/writing samples), and teacher, student, and parent reflections.

Phase 4: Data Analysis & Equity Review (March 2026)

• Focus: Analyze data and integrate all feedback.
• Conduct a comprehensive review of all collected data, field test feedback, and classroom observations.
• Specifically gather and integrate feedback from Multilingual Learner (MLL), Special Education (SPED) and Highly Capable teams to evaluate the programs through an equity lens.

Phase 5: Evaluation & Final Decision (March–May 2026)

• Focus: Gather community input and finalize the choice.
• Share field test results and progress data with the SVSD DCRC and wider community.
• Host open house curriculum showcases for families and the public to provide input.
• The committee will reach a consensus before presenting the formal recommendation to the School Board for final approval.

Phase 6: Rollout & Professional Development (June–September 2026)

• Focus: Prepare for successful implementation.
• Order and distribute all materials.
• Develop a comprehensive multi-year Professional Development (PD) plan, including mandatory August training and in-year coaching support.
• Communicate the plan to all staff and families before the Fall 2026 launch.

 

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We encourage all community members to look for opportunities to engage during the Phase 5 community showcases to provide their valuable input.