SAN DIMAS/LA VERNE – Bonita Unified School District continued to outpace school districts across the state in reading competency, ranking No. 1 in the state on the California Reading Coalition’s (CRC) California Reading Report Card, based on California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) English language arts (ELA) test scores from the 2021-2022 school year.

Among districts with at least 100 economically disadvantaged Latino third-grade students, Bonita Unified led the way with 53% of the subgroup meeting or exceeding California grade-level standards. This is the second consecutive year Bonita Unified has topped the California Report Card rankings, which was last released in 2021. That report was based on cumulative test scores from the 2017-18 and 2018-19 school years.

“Bonita Unified recognizes that literacy is the key component in education and that a student’s success is informed by their ability to not just read at grade level, but also comprehend the material,” Superintendent Matt Wien said. “We are proud to once again be recognized for our exemplary reading program.”

Bonita Unified’s No. 1 ranking is the result of a years-long District commitment to boost reading comprehension across all grade levels, embracing a data-driven method commonly known as the “science of reading,” which reflects teaching practices proven by extensive research to effectively teach children how to read.

Bonita employs the Systematic Instruction in Phoneme Awareness, Phonics, and Sight Words (SIPPS) program, which bolsters skills for new and struggling students in grades K-2, using a multi-tiered system of supports to provide a structured approach to reading that strengthens student’s foundational skills, focusing on phonics, vocabulary and reading comprehension.

Bonita provides reading intervention specialists at every school and strongly encourages independent reading, sending students home with stacks of books, and encouraging families to read together. Students that fall behind are placed in smaller groups and allotted more time in the school day to complete their lessons. Bonita’s curriculum is backed by robust instruction from experienced teachers that have been with the District for many years.

“Bonita Unified is blessed to have great teachers that have a strong understanding of what it takes to keep students engaged and focused on learning,” Director of Curriculum and Instruction Jaymi Abusham said. “The District provides our teachers with the tools they need to ensure that every student receives the highest quality education.”

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BUSD_READING: Shull Elementary teacher Robin McConathy reads a book with a student in class – a common sight in Bonita Unified, which was ranked No. 1 in reading competency on the California Reading Coalition’s California Reading Report Card for the second time.