Anoka-Hennepin realized MCA test scores for its third-graders had been slipping for the past three years. In 2015, its proficiency levels dipped below the state average for the first time, said associate superintendent Mary Wolverton.
The district wasn't satisfied with student literacy performance. Officials there are hoping its new literacy program will change that.
The board approved literacy program Reading Wonders Monday evening, a choice the district recommended after months of review with people ranging from teachers to community members.
Third-grade reading trends
MCA year 2013 2014 2015 State 57.4 58.2 58.9 Anoka-Hennepin District 60.6 58.6 58.4 The 2015 number fell below the state average.
Currently, the district's literacy instruction is made up of resources from different curriculum providers, including varying tools for spelling, writing instruction and core instruction, said district spokesman Jim Skelly.
Wonders, by McGraw-Hill, highlights its multimedia and inspirational literature on its website. It will cost the district more than $3 million, and garnered the highest ratings in the pilot feedback.
"We talk about dollars, we talk about things like that, but truly, the value to our teachers and those students and those families is what we need to focus on," said Bill Harvey, board treasurer.
