District staff outline Read to Succeed amendments and how the district will comply

The board heard a presentation from the assistant superintendent for Innovation and Professional Learning outlining eight recent amendments to the state Read to Succeed law and their implications for York School District One.

The presenter said the amended law shifts emphasis to K–5 foundational literacy and prohibits the ‘‘three-cueing’’ method (meaning prompts that rely on meaning, syntax and visual cues). The district must adopt scientifically backed, phonological approaches and expand intervention supports for students not meeting grade-level expectations in kindergarten through third grade.

Key changes summarized by the presenter included: a renewed K–5 focus; prohibition of the three-cueing method; four-level state test scoring with broader summer reading camp requirements (by 2026–27 more students who do not meet proficiency will be required to attend summer reading camp); expanded reading interventions and screening requirements using state-approved screeners; an expanded role for literacy coaches (who must hold a literacy endorsement and may work directly with students in addition to coaching teachers); and mandatory intensive professional development (the two-year LETTERS program) for early grade and special-education teachers and elementary administrators.

The assistant superintendent emphasized operational steps: update reading-recovery programs to avoid three-cueing, expand literacy-coach capacity, implement approved screeners three times per year, and prepare for broader summer reading camp participation by 2026–27. She noted that some certification requirements (the Read to Succeed endorsement for PK–12 fields such as PE and music) were removed while early-childhood and elementary requirements were strengthened.

Why this matters: The changes require curriculum, staffing and professional-development adjustments across elementary programs and will affect which students qualify for summer interventions. The district will need to retool reading-recovery programs, expand coach endorsements, and budget for expanded summer supports and training.

Board reaction and next steps: The presenter opened the floor for questions; the transcript records explanation of timelines and staff responsibilities. The district will align its reading interventions, screeners and coach roles to the amended state requirements moving into next school years.