Representative Goule advances resolution urging ELSAT input and full-length novels in middle-school ELA

Representative Goule presented a draft resolution asking that schools provide notice and an opportunity for local school advisory teams or comparable parent organizations to review and comment before approving changes to ELA curricula. She said the draft draws on testimony from an expert panel and local parents and would be refined with staff before the working session.

Goule argued the curriculum should prioritize long‑term reading skills over short‑term test‑taking gains and recommended that middle‑school ELA approved by the authority include multiple full‑length texts. "I do want to strongly advise the inclusion of the ELSAT in that process because I think transparency and that feedback is very valuable," Goule said while reading the draft resolve clauses.

The draft includes three central points: require notice and an opportunity for ELSAT or similar parent groups to provide feedback before final approval of curriculum changes; include multiple full‑length novels in any approved middle‑school ELA curriculum; and prioritize the development of long‑term literacy and cognitive endurance over narrowly focused test‑taking skills. Goule said the language does not compel schools to follow ELSAT recommendations but asks that their feedback be considered and given significant weight.

Committee members endorsed the approach and asked staff to incorporate additional terminology appropriate to charter schools and parent‑group names. Members suggested outreach to Representative Olri and Ruth Watenberg for technical input and Goule said she would circulate a second draft before the working session.

The chair called a voice vote to refer the item to the upcoming working session; members present responded "I" and the motion to move the draft forward passed. The working session and the public meeting where the item will be considered were noted as upcoming opportunities for further revision and public discussion.