Family May 2024 Knight Line
Minnesota Reading to Ensure Academic Development Act, known as the READ Act, was passed and signed into law by Governor Walz on May 24, 2023. The goal of this legislation is to have every Minnesota child reading at or above grade level every year, beginning in kindergarten, and to support multilingual learners and students receiving special education services in achieving their individualized reading goals.
WHAT IS THE READ ACT?
The READ Act has four main components:
Student Identification Process: Universal screening of students.
Evidence-Based Curriculum: Required use of proven curriculum and intervention materials.
Literacy Training for Staff: Mandatory training for staff involved in reading instruction.
District Literacy Lead: Employment of a district literacy coordinator.
IMPLEMENTATION AT STMA SCHOOLS
Screening: Beginning next school year, all students in kindergarten through grade 3 will be screened using a tool approved by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) within the first and last six weeks of the school year. This tool helps identify students who may need additional literacy intervention. Students in grades 4 through 9 who show signs of dyslexia or are not reading at grade level will also be screened with an MDE-approved tool.
Curriculum: All reading instruction and intervention materials must be research-based as defined by Minnesota Statutes. STMA Schools will provide reading interventions through a plan that identifies students’ academic strengths and challenges and emphasizes family engagement.
Training: From July 1, 2024, to July 1, 2026, all staff directly involved in reading instruction must complete literacy training. By July 1, 2027, all other staff who support literacy instruction will also be required to receive this training. This ensures that all staff can help students master phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary development, reading fluency, and comprehension.
Literacy Coordinator: STMA Schools has hired a district literacy coordinator to support the implementation of the READ Act. The school will continue to submit its literacy plan and student achievement data to the MDE annually.
PARENT INVOLVEMENT
As a parent, your role is crucial to the success of the READ Act. Here are ways to support your child’s reading development:
Read Together: Spend time reading with your child daily, discuss stories, and ask questions to improve comprehension.
Create a Reading-Friendly Environment: Provide access to a variety of books and create a quiet, comfortable space for reading at home.
Stay Informed: Attend school meetings, conferences, and events related to literacy. Keep in touch with your child’s teacher and be involved in their reading journey.
Be Encouraging: Celebrate your child’s reading achievements and offer positive reinforcement to boost their confidence and motivation.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND QUESTIONS
Thank you for your continued partnership and dedication to your child’s education. Together, we can make a significant difference in our students’ literacy skills and their overall academic journey.
For additional information, read the full READ Act legislation here.
For questions regarding the READ Act, contact MDE via email.
For questions about STMA Schools’ implementation of the READ Act, contact Jamie Wiitala, STMA Director of Teaching and Learning.
STMA has selected Vision STMA as its new student transportation company for 2024-2025. This transition marks a new chapter in our commitment to meeting the transportation and safety needs of STMA students and families.
Vision STMA has a proven track record of excellence in student transportation, and we are confident Vision STMA will continue the district’s record of outstanding transportation service to our school community.
As we welcome Vision STMA, we also want to express our heartfelt gratitude to Don’s Bus for their long-standing partnership. Their dedication and service have been invaluable, and we wish them all the best in their future endeavors.
In alignment with this transition, we have reorganized district roles and responsibilities to better serve our students and their families. We are pleased to introduce Mr. Chad Englund as our new transportation supervisor. Mr. Englund brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this role. More communication about these changes will be forthcoming and most families should experience no significant change in transportation services.
We appreciate the trust you have given us to educate and care for your children. It has been a joy to have them in our classrooms this year, and we are sincerely grateful for the opportunity to educate them. A crucial factor in our success as a school district is the steadfast support and strong partnership we have with our families. This collaborative relationship is invaluable, and we never take it for granted. We hope you have a rejuvenating, safe, and enjoyable summer. Go Knights!
Congratulations to this year's retirees! They represent 341 years impacting thousands of students. It is their steadfast dedication and devotion that helps our students achieve tremendous success both in and out of the classroom. Thank you for your service to the district. Best of luck as you start the next part of your journey!
Congratulations to the 2024 Hall of Fame inductees, Ms. Maryellen Barthel and Mr. Roger Ketel! Ms. Barthel and Mr. Ketel both have a longstanding history of service to the district and have contributed to the district’s tradition of excellence. Their commitment to STMA students and the district is infallible and their work is a promise of a bright future.
