Van Buren Public Schools is proud to announce the adoption of Wonders as the district’s new English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum for grades K–6. This marks an important milestone in the district’s ongoing commitment to strengthening literacy instruction and ensuring every student receives research-based support to become a confident, capable reader.

The adoption responds to Michigan’s Literacy and Dyslexia Law, which requires districts to implement materials aligned with the Science of Reading. That standard demands instruction that develops phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, oral language, and reading comprehension – skills essential for lifelong literacy success.

“Our goal was simple: to select a high-quality curriculum that not only meets state requirements but also gives students, families and teachers the tools they need for long-term literacy success,” said Tiffany Tasi, district instructional specialist for VBPS.


A Thoughtful, Teacher-Led Review Process

Van Buren’s curriculum selection began with a carefully structured process. An ELA committee of teachers, administrators and curriculum specialists developed a district vision and framework to guide decision-making. Key priorities included: systematic phonics from K–6, authentic and diverse literature, integrated writing and grammar instruction, supports for English Learners, differentiated materials for varied learning levels, and a user-friendly design that preserves teacher agency.

The district issued a Request for Proposals and received 12 submissions. After a rigorous screening, three finalists were selected, and two programs, Wonders and Benchmark Advance, were chosen for classroom pilots.


Pilot and Teacher Feedback (2024–2025)

During the 2024–2025 school year, Van Buren piloted both Wonders and Benchmark Advance at Edgemont, Rawsonville, Savage, Tyler, and Owen Elementary schools. Teachers involved in the pilot received professional development and coaching, and the district arranged visits to other districts using the programs.

To ensure impartial analysis, Van Buren partnered with Hanover Research, which conducted surveys and interviews to collect teacher feedback and guide next steps.

Teachers who piloted Wonders consistently reported that the program provided engaging, high-quality literature and clear, usable lesson structure. Differentiation tools and supports for English Learners were repeatedly mentioned as strengths that helped teachers meet diverse classroom needs.

As one teacher said during the pilot, “Wonders gives me the materials I need in one place – engaging texts, clear skill progression and support for every learner.”


Why Wonders Was Chosen

While both pilot programs demonstrated promise, Wonders emerged as the recommended curriculum for several reasons:
Thoughtfully connected text sets organized around essential questions.
Systematic foundational skills and phonics aligned to the Science of Reading.
Integration of writing, handwriting instruction and social-emotional learning.
A comprehensive digital platform accessible to students, teachers and families.
Robust differentiation, including explicit supports for English Learners.

The five-year adoption package includes student materials, teacher guides, digital licenses, and professional development and coaching, an investment the district views as cost-effective and central to improving early literacy outcomes.


Implementation and Professional Development Already Underway

Wonders is not just a future plan for Van Buren – it is already in motion. Following last year’s pilot, the district began districtwide implementation this school year and launched a phased professional learning plan to support teachers:

August PD: Teachers received an initial, district-level professional development session that introduced Wonders’ instructional structure, routines and digital tools.

November PD: A second, deeper professional development session is scheduled to strengthen teachers’ instructional practice and classroom integration of Wonders.

Building-specific PD (coming later this year): Using Hanover Research’s survey findings and pilot feedback, the district will deliver a customized, building-level professional development session tailored to the identified needs of each school. This targeted training will help teachers address local priorities and accelerate consistent, high-quality implementation.

This multi-layered approach – districtwide onboarding followed by deeper, school-specific support – ensures teachers are supported throughout the rollout and that professional learning responds directly to teacher voice and classroom realities. The district will continue to collect feedback and adjust supports as implementation unfolds.


Next Steps and Commitment

With the Board’s approval and the pilot informed by real classroom experience, Van Buren is moving forward with full implementation and ongoing monitoring. Families can expect communication about the new curriculum and resources to support literacy at home. Teachers will continue to receive robust training, coaching and access to digital tools that support instruction and family engagement.

This adoption is more than compliance with state law – it is a strategic investment in student learning. By centering teacher input, using independent research and offering sustained professional development, Van Buren Schools is building an instructional foundation that prepares students for success across grades and beyond.

“We are committed to giving every child in Van Buren the opportunity to become a confident, capable reader,” Tasi said. “Wonders is an important part of that commitment.”

With the voices of teachers at the center of the process, and families as partners in the journey, Van Buren Schools is moving forward with a curriculum that reflects both research and community values. The future is bright for literacy in Van Buren.