Superintendent Shares Literacy Curriculum Vision with Families
Superintendent Steiner recently met with parents to share the district’s vision for strengthening elementary literacy through high-quality, equitable core instruction and to introduce a proposed new K–5 English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum, Arts & Letters by Great Minds.
The presentation focused on Universal (Tier 1) instruction, the core literacy program all students receive daily. Strong Tier 1 instruction ensures consistent access to grade-level standards, supports diverse learners through scaffolding, and serves as the foundation for the district’s Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS).
Families learned why the district is moving away from “homegrown” curriculum materials toward a unified, evidence-based program. A common curriculum supports alignment across classrooms and grade levels, reduces the burden on teachers to create materials, and helps ensure equitable learning experiences for all students.
Arts & Letters is a knowledge-building program that integrates reading, writing, vocabulary, speaking, and listening through authentic trade books, art, and multimedia. The curriculum is designed to build deep understanding, spark curiosity, and support rigorous literacy instruction across grades K–5.
The presentation concluded with a question-and-answer session, giving families an opportunity to ask questions and share feedback. Dresden Board Chair Ben Keeney was in attendance, reinforcing the board’s engagement in the curriculum review and decision-making process.
The proposed curriculum recommendation will be presented to the school boards for consideration prior to the adoption of the budgets.
This presentation was a condensed version of Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Lauren Amrhein's Board presentation in December. Her presentation can be viewed on our YouTube channel, fast forward to 2:36:35
View Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Lauren Amrehein's Ray Arts and Letters presentation from the December 15, 2025 Hanover School Board Meeting.
View Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Lauren Amrehein's Additional Arts and Letters Information/Follow-up from the January 7, 2026 Norwich Board Meeting.