Philadelphia public schools have introduced a new English language arts curriculum focused on the science of reading, but teachers are expressing mixed feelings about its implementation. Many educators, like Shelly McKeown, a second-grade teacher, have raised concerns about the lack of provided materials, stating, “You have to make tons of copies and cut things out yourself.” Despite these challenges, some teachers report improved student engagement and literacy skills. The curriculum, part of a $70m instructional overhaul, aims to address poor reading proficiency rates, with only 34% of students in grades 3-8 scoring proficient last year. However, teachers like Aly Boyd emphasize the need for better alignment and support, noting, “Overall it’s not cohesive.” The district has offered professional development sessions, but many educators feel overwhelmed by the curriculum’s demands.
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