The School Board approved purchasing Vista Higher Learning materials on June 27, 2024, via Contract #250005. Since then, the need for these materials has increased with the growing number of language learners.

Vista Higher Learning’s singular focus is developing print and digital solutions that meet the needs of all language learners—those learning a new language, improving a second language, or perfecting their native language. 

Based on current research and standards, proven pedagogy, and a focus on student engagement through authentic content, language and literacy solutions help bring out the best in students.

Get Ready! Sail and Soar are programs for elementary newcomers and beginning proficiency students. The curriculum is built for linguistically and culturally diverse learners, leveraging their assets and addressing their social and academic language needs.

Get Ready! is a comprehensive standards-based program that addresses the unique needs of middle and high school newcomers/ and beginners in English. This multi-level program engages students with age-appropriate, motivating communicative presentations and literary and informational lessons.

Connect is a comprehensive literacy program created for multilingual/English learners and striving readers. This powerful solution develops academic language and literacy skills through engaging texts and content-driven lessons. Assess to Learn allows teachers to assess ongoing learning progress, discover skills gaps, and personalize instruction!

Engage is a high school literacy program that prepares all students for college and career readiness, with purposeful support for multilingual learners. This print and digital solution develops language, literacy, and writing skills through engaging literary texts and content-driven lessons that connect to students’ everyday lives. 

Get Reading! Sail and Soar are multi-level libraries designed to address the needs of younger English learners and striving readers. Each print and digital library includes 144 readers that combine literary and informational texts written at three complexity levels and focusing on content areas.

Get Reading! is a multi-level reading library specifically designed to address the needs of multilingual/English learners and striving readers. Each print and digital library includes 120 readers that combine literary and informational texts written at three complexity levels and focus on various content areas.

Students identified as potential English Language Learners are screened within 20 days of enrollment. Those needing additional support in English Language Development are enrolled in our ESOL program. These students will be provided direct and explicit instruction to master the English Language, both spoken and written. Closing the gap in their English Language Proficiency increases their ability to acquire content, master skills, achieve academic success, and graduate with a full diploma, ensuring their ability to be successful in their post-secondary life.

Many EL students still need to exit our ESOL program in the expected time frame of three years. Some remain as long as seven years. The graduation rate of EL students is below the state average and below that of their peers.

Increased English Language Proficiency will lead to academic achievement in all content areas, social integration into American Society, and Civic awareness, thus improving college and career readiness and expanding post-secondary options.

The approval of the contract amendment will ensure materials can be purchased promptly as the population of language learners increases.

Goal 1. Engage all students to attain the necessary skills and knowledge to be future-ready graduates.

That the School Board approve Amendment #250084 to the Vista Higher Learning Contract.