Cuyahoga Falls board previews phased rollout of Wit and Wisdom to meet state literacy mandate
May 09, 2024 | Cuyahoga Falls City, School Districts, Ohio
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The Cuyahoga Falls Board of Education heard a detailed presentation May 8 from curriculum lead Jody Houseman on adopting the Wit and Wisdom literacy program to comply with state requirements under House Bill 33.
Houseman said the district will use the program to strengthen both the phonics side and the knowledge-building side of reading instruction. "We will have more nonfiction, to help build knowledge, which will be great, 50% or greater depending on the grade level," she said, adding that the adoption includes integrated writing performance tasks, content-rich vocabulary routines and common assessments.
The administration proposes a staggered implementation in which a representative "first followers" group in each building pilots full implementation while all teachers receive training and materials. Houseman described teacher manuals, digital teacher editions, daily student videos and family tip sheets that will accompany classroom instruction.
Board members pressed for details on curriculum alignment and equity. One member asked whether the nonfiction texts would tie exactly to science or social studies standards; Houseman answered that alignment is not exact because Wit and Wisdom is a national program, and the district will continue to provide supplemental materials to meet Ohio standards.
Members also raised concern that a phased rollout could create disparities between classrooms. Houseman said the district will require writing tasks in the scope and sequence and use teacher collaboration time (TBT) to share practices so pacing differences do not create long-term inequities.
Cost and funding drew additional scrutiny. Administration acknowledged the state mandate drives the change and noted that materials and book purchases are expensive; a board member asked how much of the cost the district will need to cover. Houseman said contract details and title-by-grade book lists are in the procurement documents and will be shared with the board.
The district plans parent engagement materials and a two-week review for families to preview titles and sample lessons. Houseman offered to make the 19-minute vendor video and curated highlights available for trustees and parents.
Next steps: administration will share contract titles and pricing, finalize a training schedule for teachers, and return to the board with a recommended approval and timeline.
Houseman said the district will use the program to strengthen both the phonics side and the knowledge-building side of reading instruction. "We will have more nonfiction, to help build knowledge, which will be great, 50% or greater depending on the grade level," she said, adding that the adoption includes integrated writing performance tasks, content-rich vocabulary routines and common assessments.
The administration proposes a staggered implementation in which a representative "first followers" group in each building pilots full implementation while all teachers receive training and materials. Houseman described teacher manuals, digital teacher editions, daily student videos and family tip sheets that will accompany classroom instruction.
Board members pressed for details on curriculum alignment and equity. One member asked whether the nonfiction texts would tie exactly to science or social studies standards; Houseman answered that alignment is not exact because Wit and Wisdom is a national program, and the district will continue to provide supplemental materials to meet Ohio standards.
Members also raised concern that a phased rollout could create disparities between classrooms. Houseman said the district will require writing tasks in the scope and sequence and use teacher collaboration time (TBT) to share practices so pacing differences do not create long-term inequities.
Cost and funding drew additional scrutiny. Administration acknowledged the state mandate drives the change and noted that materials and book purchases are expensive; a board member asked how much of the cost the district will need to cover. Houseman said contract details and title-by-grade book lists are in the procurement documents and will be shared with the board.
The district plans parent engagement materials and a two-week review for families to preview titles and sample lessons. Houseman offered to make the 19-minute vendor video and curated highlights available for trustees and parents.
Next steps: administration will share contract titles and pricing, finalize a training schedule for teachers, and return to the board with a recommended approval and timeline.
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