Chalkbeat Colorado recently highlighted Westminster Public Schools’ (WPS) new approach to early reading education. The initiative places paraprofessionals in every kindergarten classroom to provide small group and one-on-one instruction, aiming to improve reading skills among young students. The program, which costs $1 million, is described as an investment in children’s futures.
Mat Aubuchon, Executive Director of Learning Services at WPS, told Chalkbeat, “If you don’t develop a reader by the time they’re walking out of first grade, they have a hard time catching up.” He also noted that results from this investment may not be immediately visible on statewide standardized tests since current kindergarteners will not be tested until third grade. “It’s about playing the long game,” Aubuchon said.
A follow-up report on the program’s impact is planned for early 2026.
Waukegan Community Unit School District 60 represents numerous schools across Lake County, including elementary and middle schools as well as Waukegan High School. More information about the district can be found at https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/. According to the Illinois State Board of Education, the district serves a diverse student population: 3.2 percent White, 13.2 percent Black, 79.5 percent Hispanic, and 1.3 percent Asian (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). The district employs over 1,000 teachers with an average salary of $63,524; most are women (71.1 percent), and none have more than ten absences in a school year (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). In 2020, Waukegan Community Unit School District 60 spent $23,429 per student for a total expenditure of $359 million (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/).
