Committee recommends 'Really Great Reading' paired with 'Arts and Letters' for K–5; board to vote later

A district review committee recommended that Upper Darby adopt a combined elementary English‑language arts curriculum that pairs Really Great Reading with Arts and Letters after a yearlong pilot, and the board agreed to move the item to a future voting meeting.

The committee chair and curriculum staff described the pilot—44 volunteer teachers across all 10 elementary schools tested two programs over the summer and fall—and said feedback from classroom teachers, special‑education and EL staff supported the combined adoption. "After careful review the committee's recommendation is for Really Great Reading with Arts and Letters," said Mrs. Crystal O'Neal, who led the selection presentation. (Mrs. O'Neal)

Why it matters: District presenters framed the selection as aligning with new state guidance requiring evidence‑based ELA resources and professional development grounded in the science of reading. Officials said the recommended combination is intended to deliver structured literacy foundations (phonological awareness, decoding) with complementary units that build comprehension, discussion and writing skills.

Cost and implementation: District staff described a multi‑year implementation that includes consumable and digital student materials, teacher resources and a professional‑development sequence beginning before full rollout. The committee presented an estimated six‑year total cost of about $2.9 million for the combined adoption. The first‑year and annual line items were given during the meeting but were not clearly transcribed; the district’s detailed budget documents in BoardDocs should be used for exact figures.

Board action: The committee recorded board consensus to place the ELA adoption on a future voting agenda; no final adoption vote occurred at this meeting. Presenters said they would begin professional development in this school year if the board approves the adoption at the upcoming voting meeting.

What supporters said: A classroom teacher who participated in the pilot told the committee the materials increased both student engagement and teacher confidence. "It's really cool to be a part of it... Can we not stop doing this program?" the teacher said during public comment, praising the pilot. (Teacher, Highland Park Elementary School)

Sources: Presentation and pilot summary delivered to the Education and Pupil Services Committee; quotes from Mrs. Crystal O'Neal and participating pilot teachers.