Parents push earlier literacy screening in BSD

A group of parents is urging the Brandon School Division to take additional steps to ensure every child learns to read successfully.

Representatives from Caregiver Advocates for Literacy Equity appeared before the division’s board of trustees on Monday to outline three key requests aimed at improving early literacy outcomes for students.

The group’s efforts are part of a broader campaign across Manitoba to raise awareness about literacy challenges and promote evidence-based reading instruction, Michelle Depner, one of the representatives, told the board.

“We share the same hope — that every child in Brandon School Division learns to read well. Not just some children, every child,” Depner told trustees.

The advocates said the consequences of poor literacy can follow children throughout life, affecting education, employment opportunities and civic participation.

Andy Depner, Michelle’s partner, asked the school division to implement three specific measures.

“First, the division should use data from universal literacy screening to guide system-wide planning and resource allocation rather than evaluating individual teachers.”

The second measure, he said, is consistent literacy screening from kindergarten through Grade 4, as early identification allows struggling readers to receive help before gaps become entrenched.

Research shows that interventions for reading difficulties must be significantly longer and more intensive when they begin after Grade 1, Andy told trustees.

“The later we wait, the more resources, time and energy it takes to catch our children up,” he said.

“Third, we ask the division to provide teachers with ongoing training to interpret screening data and deliver effective literacy instruction.”

Teachers often lack sufficient preparation in structured literacy approaches and require sustained professional development to support students effectively, Michelle said.

The group’s requests are based largely on recommendations from the Manitoba Human Rights Commission, which released a report highlighting literacy challenges across the province.

According to the report, reading difficulties can often be prevented through early identification, evidence-based instruction and timely interventions.

The advocates also referenced the Manitoba government’s passage of Bill 225, which requires literacy screening for students in three of the four years between kindergarten and Grade 4.

Michelle said the legislation is an important step, but requires strong implementation by school divisions.

“Legislation only matters when thoughtful implementation follows,” she said.

During the meeting, trustees asked several questions about how the proposed measures would fit within existing literacy initiatives.

Trustee Kim Fallis asked whether the approach would replace or work alongside the Reading Recovery program currently used in schools.

Michelle responded that the group is advocating for a structured literacy approach, which focuses on explicit instruction in foundational reading skills such as phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary and comprehension.

Trustee Jim Murray asked whether similar initiatives were already underway in other school divisions.

Andy pointed to the Louis Riel School Division in Winnipeg as a leader in universal screening and early literacy initiatives.

Supt. Mathew Gustafson told the group the division has already been developing an early literacy screening implementation plan.

Under the proposed framework, screening would occur twice in kindergarten, twice in Grade 1, during both terms of Grades 2 and 3, and once in Grade 4.

The division currently uses the Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS), a screening tool and follows a Response to Intervention model that includes universal classroom instruction, small group supports and individualized interventions.

Gustafson said screening tools are intended primarily to identify students who may require additional support rather than serve as formal assessments for report cards.

Further guidance on how screening results should be communicated to parents may come from the province, he said.

Trustees acknowledged the importance of literacy and thanked the presenters for sharing their perspective.

Trustee Breeanna Sieklicki said literacy and numeracy remain key priorities for the division and expressed appreciation for both the advocates’ input and ongoing initiatives within the school system.

The advocacy group said it hopes trustees will continue to prioritize literacy and ensure resources are directed toward early reading success.

“Trustees play a vital role in setting direction and determining priorities,” Andy said. “We’re asking you to choose literacy as a non-negotiable priority.”

» aodutola@brandonsun.com

» X: @AbiolaOdutola