Learning to Read in Winchester Schools

There has been a lot of discussion about the best approach to literacy in Winchester. As the father of a student with dyslexia and dysgraphia who currently gets Wilson pull-out support in school, it is a topic of great personal concern and one that I have supported throughout my time on the Committee.

Since being elected, I have supported the implementation of DIBELS screening across the district. I supported a third-party review of our Language Based Learning Disability (LBLD) program, the investment in literacy coaches (we now have 15), and providing structured literacy curriculum materials and professional development training to our teachers.

Most recently, I've worked with district leadership to develop a thoughtful process to map our literacy curriculum, to engage the voices of teachers and community members -- including those who are unable to participate in public comment -- in a safe space, without preconceived outcomes (on any side), to help us all get a better picture of what is happening in the classroom, to analyze district performance, and to inform potential changes to our literacy curriculum.

I read every email and I empathize with the struggles of many of our families around this issue. I am concerned about kids who may not be identified as needing support or who may not get the support they need in our schools. I am concerned about the equity among students and between neighborhood schools, and among families that have the resources to hire private tutors and those who do not.

These are important issues that deserve a thoughtful and inclusive approach that gathers accurate information and considers the needs of every student. There is too much at stake, and a thoughtful process will not only lead to a more thoughtful solution, it will also help build trust, understanding, and much needed support for an approach that could require significant investment by the town.

I invite the community to set aside for the moment what you think the solution should be and join us in an open and honest process around what is best for all our students, and then, bring your energy to help advocate for that solution.