Pajaro Valley School Board to Approve Teacher Literacy Training Program
The Pajaro Valley Unified School District (PVUSD) is set to implement a new literacy training program for elementary school teachers, pending final approval from the school board. Scheduled for discussion on November 8, 2023, this initiative aims to enhance teachers’ proficiency in literacy education through a partnership with the Pajaro Valley Federation of Teachers.
The program, known as Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS), is designed to equip educators with evidence-based strategies to improve reading instruction over a two-year period. This initiative is supported by Lexia, an educational technology company specializing in literacy solutions.
In exchange for their participation, teachers will receive a monthly stipend of $1,500 for up to ten months each year, amounting to a potential total of $30,000 over the two years, contingent on meeting specific benchmarks. According to the memorandum of understanding, the program aligns with the Science of Reading curriculum, addressing why some students may struggle with reading while providing the necessary skills for their advancement.
Superintendent Heather Contreras emphasized the significance of this program for the district, stating, “With the implementation of LETRS, PVUSD is investing in teachers to change outcomes for students.” She highlighted the ongoing professional growth opportunities that this initiative will foster, aiming to enhance literacy expertise among elementary educators.
The LETRS program targets general education teachers from transitional kindergarten through sixth grade, including specialized educators such as Resource Specialist Program teachers, Special Day Class teachers, and reading intervention specialists. The first two cohorts are already set, and educators interested in joining the third cohort for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 academic years must register through the platform KickUp by November 7, 2023.
In addition to the literacy training program, the school board will also address several other key items in the upcoming meeting. Among these are a vote on a sunshine proposal between the district and the Pajaro Valley Federation of Teachers for the school years spanning 2025 to 2028, a final review of the 2025-26 Local Control Accountability Plan, and a consideration for renewing Superintendent Contreras’ contract through 2029.
The board meeting will be held in the Watsonville City Council Chambers, with the open session commencing at 18:00 after a closed session starting at 17:00. This meeting represents a pivotal moment for the district as it seeks to advance literacy education and improve student outcomes through targeted teacher training.
