Elementary Literacy Task Force – 2025-2026 School Year

Purpose(s)/Goal:

Bellingham Public Schools recognizes the importance of clearly articulated and aligned pedagogy in our classrooms.  The Elementary Literacy Task Force will focus on PK-5 literacy instruction with the goal of updating the district’s 2014 Elementary Literacy Guide to include current research-based best practices rooted in a culturally responsive approach to literacy instruction. 

Basis for Establishment:

• To develop a literacy guide that articulates instructional strategies, research-based resources and guidance on teaching expectations in elementary school.
• To articulate strong instruction, through an MTSS framework that includes data collection, progress monitoring and interventions when needed. 
• To create a roll out plan to share with PK-5 teachers to ensure everyone has access to the resource
• To support the key strategy of Great Teaching with Strong Support. 
   

Decision-Making Process:

The committee decisions shall be made via a consensus model, informed by the ongoing work of the school district. A work team structure will be utilized, with representatives from the task force working along with others (included on a topical/as-needed basis) to plan and develop portions of the literacy guide that are grade-level specific.   The task force will meet four times as a large committee with work groups scheduled between large committee sessions.  Additional meetings may be added/scheduled based on consensus of group discussion. Any recommendations for changes to district policy will be advisory in nature.

Plan of Work:

The goals of the Elementary Literacy Task Force:  

• Develop a literacy guide for teachers that supports the implementation and sustainability of a strong, evidence-based literacy instruction in all 14 elementary schools in Bellingham Public Schools.
• Identify a list of curated resources that are available for teachers to use as they plan for literacy instruction.  
• Focus the updated literacy guide around the components of a strong MTSS model of evidence-based tiered instruction. 

The whole committee will meet 3:15-4:45 on the following days at the district office:

• October 21
• December 2
• February 17
• March 10

Additionally, grade level work sessions will be scheduled between whole committee meetings to provide opportunities for grade level teams to collaborate.  The following half-day release dates will be scheduled as follows:

• November 4 – PK, K, 1^st and 2^nd grades
• November 5 – 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th grades
• January 13 – PK, K, 1^st and 2^nd grades
• January 14 – 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th grades
   

Responsibilities

To develop an updated elementary literacy guide. 

Budget Implications

Costs associated with provision of substitutes for teacher and paraeducator representatives, if meetings occur during the school day.