May 2025
Dear Princeton City Schools Families,
We are excited to provide you with an important update regarding the adoption of a new English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum for our elementary schools. This initiative is a critical step in enhancing literacy outcomes for all our students and aligns with new state requirements.
Aligning with Ohio's "Science of Reading" Mandate
At the start of the 2025-2026 school year, all school districts in Ohio are required by state law to adhere to specific guidelines for their reading curriculum. The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce has established a list of high-quality core curriculum and instructional materials in English Language Arts that are aligned with the "Science of Reading" and effective literacy instruction strategies.
Our Goals for Princeton City Schools:
Our curriculum adoption process is guided by the following key goals:
Adopt a research-based curriculum aligned with the Science of Reading: This will provide equitable, diverse, and comprehensive instructional materials to improve literacy outcomes for all students.
Focus Areas: Our new curriculum will place a strong emphasis on foundational skills, comprehension, and reading fluency.
Follow state requirements: All programs we are piloting and plan on implementing are listed on the approved High-Quality Instructional Materials list for the state of Ohio.
Evaluate effectiveness: Our classroom teachers are actively using the new curriculum to evaluate its effectiveness in meeting the diverse needs of our students, ensuring we select the best fit for our community.
Materials Available for Review
We believe in transparency and invite you to review the ELA curriculum materials currently being considered for adoption for the 2025-2026 school year. These materials are available for your review at each Elementary Building until June 9th. Please contact your child's building Principal for specific details on how to access these materials.
The core programs being considered are:
Great Minds (Wit and Wisdom): Core Reading Program (K-5)
Learn more at: greatminds.org
95 Percent Group: Foundational Skills (K-2)
Learn more at: https://www.95percentgroup.com
Frog Street: Preschool
Learn more at: https://www.frogstreet.com
Thank you for your continued partnership in fostering a love of learning and academic success in our students. We look forward to embarking on this exciting journey together and appreciate your support as we strive to make informed decisions that benefit our students.
LaDora Hill
Director of Teaching and Learning, Elementary
Email: lahill@vikingmail.org
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