School board adopts Bookworms K–3 literacy curriculum, approves classroom libraries

The Middlesex County School Board voted to adopt the K–3 Bookworms literacy curriculum and to supply classroom libraries, a move administrators said aligns the division with the Virginia Literacy Act and a statewide list of vetted instructional materials.

Superintendent (presenter) recommended the adoption after a months‑long review by a committee of administrators and teachers. "We are recommending tonight... Bookworms," the presenter said, describing the committee's unanimous recommendation and a multistep implementation timeline that includes stakeholder briefings in May and professional development in July and August.

Peyton Haley, the division literacy specialist, framed the adoption as part of a broader effort to base classroom instruction on the science of reading and to provide consistent materials across classrooms. "This program does" meet the evidence criteria, Haley said, noting Bookworms includes trade books for students and peer‑reviewed studies of effectiveness.

Board members asked about evidence of impact, differentiation for higher‑level readers and students with disabilities, and where the curriculum is already used. Administrators said peer‑reviewed studies and regional implementations (they cited Richmond County) informed the recommendation but that division‑specific numerical impact data were not available at the meeting.

Cost estimates for full implementation, including classroom libraries, ranged from about $94,000 to $110,000. Administrators said textbook funds and the Virginia All‑In grant could cover the cost. "They could range from 94 to 110,000 depending on if we are gonna make sure all of our classes have those libraries available within them," a presenter said.

A motion to approve the curriculum and include classroom libraries was made and seconded; the board voted in favor and the chair declared the motion carried.

Next steps outlined by staff include sharing the division literacy plan in June, finalizing professional development offerings with the vendor over the summer, and monitoring implementation in the 2024–25 school year.

Authorities cited at the meeting included the Virginia Literacy Act and related VDOE guidance on approved curricula. The adoption will be incorporated into the division's implementation plan returned to the board for oversight.