St. Paul Public Schools will release a four-part docuseries Nov. 20 on changes and new curriculum the district is using to improve student literacy, according to a press release.
The documentary, produced by Captivate Media and called “All In: The SPPS Literacy Journey” will debut from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 20.at American Indian Magnet School at 1075 E. Third St. in St. Paul.
The series was filmed during the 2023-24 school year and includes educators, literacy and equity experts, district leaders, students and their families. It documents new SPPS curriculum and literacy programs and their impacts on students’ reading skills.
The screening event includes dinner and child care. It also will be shown on Dec. 14 at St. Paul’s RiverCentre at 175 W. Kellogg Blvd. during the SPPS School Choice Fair and will be available online Dec. 16.
The documentary release is part of SPPS Reads, a district-wide initiative to improve literacy instruction by aligning it with “science of reading” research, provide reading resources to SPPS families and encourage reading through community events.
One hundred and sixty SPPS educators have completed evidence-based training in literacy instruction and 1,200 are completing state-required READ Act training this school year, according to the district.
Quarterly assessments from fall 2023 to spring 2024 showed 90% of students who received support from the SPPS What I Need Now program had typical or aggressive literacy skills growth, according to the district. What I Need Now, or WINN, provides small-group reading instruction to students who need additional support.
“As a result of our efforts, we are seeing promising trends in our literacy data. We are very optimistic about what the future holds for SPPS as we continue to work toward increasing reading proficiency for all students,” said Sue Braithwaite, SPPS assistant director of elementary learning, in the press release.
More information on the event can be found at spps.org/sppsreadsdoc.