Fenton parents raise concerns after narrow vote approves controversial curriculum

Critics question reading readiness, transparency, and content after 4 to 3 board decision

FENTON, Mich. — Some parents in the Fenton Area Public Schools district are voicing concerns after the school board narrowly approved a new writing curriculum that critics say may not align with students’ reading proficiency levels and could introduce controversial topics into classrooms.

The program, called ThinkCERCA, was approved in a 4 to 3 vote and is being piloted with sixth graders, according to comments made during an interview with parent Jodi Kelley. She said the curriculum is designed as an argumentative writing program rather than a traditional reading program, which she and others worry may not be suitable for all students.

Kelley said about 30 percent of incoming sixth graders are not proficient in reading, raising concerns that a writing focused program assumes skill levels some students may not yet have.

“It’s geared like a college level,” Kelley said in the interview, adding that she believes the program lacks sufficient intervention support for students who struggle with reading.

District officials have not publicly responded to the specific concerns raised in the interview. Curriculum providers often argue that writing based programs can strengthen literacy overall by improving comprehension, analysis and communication skills.

I can’t do this independent journalism without your support. Become a paid subscriber if you haven’t yet for less than $1 per week. Click the link below.

According to Kelley, the program represents a multi year financial commitment of about 229,000 dollars and was initially introduced as a pilot before the board voted to expand it to middle and high school levels.

She also said some parents object to elements they believe address social issues within lesson materials, citing statements from the company describing goals such as reflecting diversity and fostering critical thinking about social topics.

Supporters of similar curricula nationwide often say such content helps students develop analytical thinking and prepares them to evaluate complex issues. Education experts frequently note that argumentative writing exercises can improve reasoning skills and engagement.

Kelley said community members were able to attend a workshop before the vote but that the session was not recorded, which she believes limited transparency. She said the subsequent board meeting, which is typically recorded, did not capture discussion from members who opposed the measure.

She encouraged parents to become involved in school decisions by attending meetings or speaking during public comment periods.

“If you just walk up to the microphone and say one sentence … or if you can’t do either of those things, come to the meeting anyway as support,” Kelley said.

The district has not released a detailed public statement outlining its rationale for selecting the curriculum or addressing the concerns raised.