District literacy leaders outline local Read Act plan, screening and training timeline

District literacy co-leads presented the Rockford Public School District's local literacy plan on April 17, describing required components under Minnesota's Read Act and how the district will implement screening, staff training and curriculum choices.

Rachel Yakish (elementary reading interventionist) and Poly Trle (high-school reading interventionist) told the board the plan includes universal screening three to four times a year (FastBridge), additional dyslexia screening training for staff, and a push to adopt evidence-based curricula aligned with the science of reading. They said the state's reimbursement rules are still evolving; partial reimbursement is possible for approved curricula, but districts should expect to use some local funds for the extensive professional development the new standards require.

Presenters said the district is pursuing a phased approach to training so that earlier cohorts receive core training first, and that the district will submit its application prior to the June 15 deadline. They noted a requirement that 80% of staff pass specified training benchmarks for certain phases, and emphasized parent communication plans for screening results and intervention placement.

No board vote was required; literacy leaders will continue work with staff and return with refinements and implementation steps.