Fresno Trustee Unveils Literacy Checklist for County Schools Superintendent Hopefuls

Fresno Unified Trustee Susan Wittrup has developed a 10-point literacy accountability checklist aimed at evaluating candidates for Fresno County superintendent of schools.

The framework is designed to assess whether proposed plans, presentations, or leadership approaches align with evidence-based reading instruction and clear systems of accountability. The checklist emphasizes early literacy, data transparency, and structured support for students, teachers, and families.

Here is that list:

Foundation: Science of Reading

• Instruction includes phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
• Structured, systematic phonics instruction (not balanced or mixed approaches).
• Curriculum and materials aligned to research.
• No conflicting instructional models across classrooms.

Leadership and Strategy

• Measurable literacy goals with public progress reporting.
• Countywide literacy strategy (not fragmented programs).
• Clear expectations for district participation and alignment.

Teaching and Training

• Teachers trained in the science of reading.
• Principals trained to recognize effective literacy instruction.
• Ongoing coaching tied to classroom practice.

Data and Accountability

• Universal early literacy screening (K-2).
• Shared data dashboards across districts.
• Regular review of data with defined action steps.

Intervention and Support

• Early intervention when students fall behind.
• Literacy coaches or support teams deployed to schools.
• Structured support systems (not optional or by request only).

Resources and Alignment

• Funding aligned to literacy outcomes (not scattered).
• Programs evaluated and adjusted based on results.

Family and Community

• Families given tools to support reading at home.
• Partnerships with libraries, early learning providers, and community groups.

Full K-12 Approach

• Strong early literacy focus (transitional kindergarten through third grade).
• Plans to support struggling readers in middle and high school.

Urgency and Results

• Clear accountability for improvement.
• Willingness to act when outcomes are not improving.

Download Printable County Superintendent Literacy Accountability Checklist

Fresno County Superintendent of Schools Forum Monday

GV Wire, in partnership with the Community Media Access Collaborative, will host a candidate forum for Fresno County Superintendent of Schools.

The forum is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday, May 4.

Confirmed participants include former Parlier Unified School District Assistant Superintendent Dr. Johnny Alvarado, current Fresno County Superintendent Dr. Michele Cantwell-Copher, and former Clovis Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Eimear O’Brien.

The debate will be live-streamed on GV Wire’s Facebook page, allowing the public to tune in and hear directly from the candidates.

The production is made possible through a collaboration with CMAC, Fresno’s Community Media Access Collaborative.

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