The Northridge Local School District’s steering committee for its K-5 English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum has recommended the adoption of Fishtank Plus ELA for the upcoming school year, in accordance with state mandates. The adoption is a direct response to House Bill 33, which requires school districts to implement a state-approved curriculum and evidence-based reading intervention programs no later than this school year.
Superintendent Kristine Michael’s presentation to the school board, included in the February 18 agenda packet, outlines the specifics of House Bill 33 and its requirement for schools to implement core curriculum and instructional materials solely from state-approved lists. This legislative shift is part of a broader effort to align the curriculum with the Science of Reading, a research-backed approach designed to improve reading comprehension and literacy skills across schools in Ohio.
The steering committee, which formed in September 2024, reviewed seven state-approved programs before narrowing the options to four for further consideration. In addition to conducting school visits and publisher presentations, the committee held dedicated review days to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of each program’s merits. Committee members came from various roles within the district, including grade-level teachers, instructional coaches, literacy specialists, and school principals, providing a diverse range of expertise to guide the decision-making process.
The committee chose Fishtank Plus for its compatibility with existing foundational skill programs, reducing disruption as it will be the fifth ELA program used in the district over the past decade. Furthermore, Fishtank’s strong focus on knowledge-building through engaging topics and its ability to align with Ohio’s Social Studies and Science standards made it an ideal choice for the district’s goals. It also stood out as the most affordable option compared to the alternatives.
The cost of adopting Fishtank includes a one-time fee of $34,324 and an annual charge of $8,300. The state has allocated $58,000 to help districts transition to state-approved core curriculum and intervention programs, which will help cover the costs associated with the switch. Orders for materials must be placed this spring to meet the fiscal year 2024-2025 timeline.
If the board approves the adoption of the program, faculty will receive a presentation in March to familiarize them with the new curriculum. Curriculum development and inventory processes will take place in April and May, followed by professional development sessions in June and August to train faculty and trainers. The program will be fully implemented starting in September 2025, with ongoing professional development and support throughout the school year.
