Shelby schools on path to new K-5 English, language arts curriculum
By David Jacobs
Shelby School Board Vice President Kim Nadolsky presented curriculum updates and shared news of a new English language arts (ELA) program under review for kindergarten through fifth grade.
The curriculum discussions included updates on the district’s state report card and anticipated changes in the ELA curriculum required by the Ohio Department of Education.
At the Oct. 21 meeting, Nadolsky explained that teachers are actively involved in exploring options.
“Mr. Walker talked about the search for an ELA program to use with the K through fifth grade right now. And I guess teachers are looking at programs to decide when they want to adopt,” Nadolsky said.
She noted that the board hopes to make a final decision by the end of the school year, allowing teachers the summer to review the selected program and prepare for its implementation next fall.
"They’re hoping to make that decision by the end of the school year," Nadolsky said. "And then the teachers will have a chance to review that material over the summer, and they can start initiating it then at the beginning of next school year."
Recognizing the potential cost of the new program, Nadolsky said, “So it’s going to be a costly program but one that is required by the Ohio Department of Education.”
She expressed excitement about the program’s potential to strengthen learning continuity across grade levels. “It’s going to go from one grade level to the next to the next and build on it,” Nadolsky said. “I think that’s exciting—something for the teachers to look forward to using.”
Walker provided further insight into the process, describing multiple review levels to evaluate the district's best options.
"We had another review on Friday afternoon (Oct. 18). So that was actually the second review of that grade," he said, explaining that the teachers participated in both online and in-person assessments.
"The teachers have met, gone in-depth on the ones they have reviewed," Walker added.
"We will start to eliminate a few. So we're getting there," he said, indicating that the selection process will likely involve one or two additional reviews before a final choice is made.
Separately, Nadolsky, a retired teacher, expressed pride in the district’s 4-star state report card performance.
“Mr. Browning and Mr. Walker shared with us the state report card, which we all had a chance to see at the previous board meeting,” she said. “We commend the teachers and students and staff for doing an excellent job with that. We're really happy with the results of the report card.”