Curriculum subcommittee elects Jewell, details literacy gaps and initiatives
Northampton Curriculum Subcommittee reviews literacy gaps and reading supports. Curriculum Director Messmer reported that a landscape analysis conducted for the $200,000 PRISM III state literacy grant found 83 percent of middle school ELA assignments fell below grade-level expectations, with the
Northampton School Committee Curriculum Subcommittee · Meeting of February 2, 2026
Northampton Curriculum Subcommittee reviews literacy gaps and reading supports. Curriculum Director Messmer reported that a landscape analysis conducted for the $200,000 PRISM III state literacy grant found 83 percent of middle school ELA assignments fell below grade-level expectations, with the same proportion containing no evidence-based writing. A survey of 500 students revealed most felt not academically challenged in their ELA classes.
Members Jewell, Mahoney, and Montgomery-Tamakloe heard updates on a $30,000 Hate Crimes and Bias Prevention Grant and on 9th grade reading initiatives serving approximately 20 to 25 students with specialized instruction.
In the full story:
- The complete report — 344 words
Source: the Northampton School Committee Curriculum Subcommittee meeting of February 2, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
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