Littleton Schools Launch New K-5 Literacy Program, Submit Shaker Lane MSBA Design Document

LITTLETON -- November 21, 2024, Littleton School Committee hears first detailed briefing on new K-5 literacy curriculum and advances Shaker Lane MSBA submission. Director of Teaching and Learning Beth Steel, Shaker Lane Principal Michelle Kane, and Russell Street Principal Colin McDonald presented Wit and Wisdom, a knowledge-based integrated literacy program launched in September after a selection process that began in May 2023 and evaluated 16 curricula before settling on one finalist; all K-5 grade levels are now in their second of four modules, with grades 1-5 receiving 90-minute daily literacy blocks. Superintendent Justin Hay reported the Shaker Lane Building Committee unanimously submitted a 500-plus-page project design document to the Massachusetts School Building Authority, with a December 18 virtual public meeting confirmed. Committee member Elaine Gagne flagged findings from the MASC fall conference that the state collected $2.2 billion under the Fair Share surtax for education in FY24 but budgeted only $1 billion to spend, urging members to contact state legislators about the gap. The committee voted unanimously to enter executive session to approve and release prior executive session minutes.