School Administrators Announce New Literacy Program

February 9, 2026
• After three years of deliberation, a decision was made the last week of January, finalizing the elementary level literacy curriculum.

The air was congratulatory at the School Committee meeting on Feb. 3, as administrators unveiled their choice for the literacy curriculum at the Needham Public Schools. It was a decision that was a long time in the coming, as Assistant Superintendent Carmen Williams and Director of Literacy Lisa Messina shared with the committee. Spanning three years, the vetting process faced increased scrutiny by parents and educators last year, as the existing program incorporated Units of Study, a program challenged by the state for being ineffective. Though it was controversial, Units of Study continued to be included in the array of programs being considered in Needham as the pilot process took place through the 2024-2025 academic year.

In the end, the American Reading Company (ARC), was chosen to be the best fit for the Needham Public Schools, checking off the boxes for both the students and teachers who have tested the program over the past year and a half. Municipal Producer Melissa Marchese has more on the selection process and the expected roll-out of the new program.