SPPS Reads Documentary - Saint Paul Public Schools

Two students practicing writing letters. Over the image is a banner for the SPPS Reads documentary, called "All In: The Saint Paul Public Schools Literacy Journey"

Over the last three years, Saint Paul Public Schools has been improving literacy instruction to positively impact student outcomes in reading. SPPS partnered with Captivate Media to document the district’s literacy journey in a new four-part docuseries: "All In: The Saint Paul Public Schools Literacy Journey"

"The fact that a school is making a series about how kids in their system struggled and how they're changing in order to change that is a really big deal." - Emily Hanford, "Sold a Story" podcast host

About the documentary

As part of the SPPS Reads initiative, Saint Paul Public Schools is releasing a new four-part docuseries that chronicles the district’s work to change literacy instruction and positively impact student outcomes in reading. Many schools, educators, district leaders and SPPS families participated in filming the series over the course of the 2023-24 school year.

Produced by Captivate Media, the film sets the stage with the national literacy crisis and the stark disparities in children’s ability to read. The rest of the series documents how SPPS is tackling this crisis head on with new curriculum and innovative literacy programs, and the impact teachers and families have seen on their students’ ability to read since the district started making these changes. Throughout the series, viewers will get to know two teachers, three students and their families, and hear from literacy and equity experts about the importance of reading as a social justice issue.

Cast & Crew

PRINCIPAL CAST

Angela Berchem - SPPS What I Need Now (WINN) Literacy Teacher & Family
Rosie Malone-Povolny - SPPS What I Need Now (WINN) Literacy Teacher & Family
JorDyn - SPPS Student & Family
Kwentyn - SPPS Student & Family
La’Vonna - SPPS Student & Family

EXPERT INTERVIEWS

Donna Luciano - SPPS Reading Specialist
Dr. Artika Tyner - Lawyer, Educator, Author & Speaker
Dr. Joe Gothard - Former Superintendent of SPPS
Jenny Davis - SPPS Literacy Coordinator
Myla Pope - SPPS Director of Equity
Sue Braithwaite - SPPS Elementary Assistant Director

captivate media team

Adrian Peil: Production Manager + Cinematographer
Alyssa Teh: Production Coordinator
Angelia Vang: Cinematographer + Editor
Anna Belle Albitz: Lead Cinematographer + Editor
Brent Miller: Motion Graphic Designer
Caleb Curran: Production Manager + Cinematographer
Chelsea Braudt: Marketing Communications Strategist
Claire Soisson: Creative Design Manager
Gisell Calderón: Cinematographer
Jake Sturgis, APR: Founder & CEO
Stan Alleyne: Lead Strategist
Steph Kass: Director of Strategy + Partnerships
Steven Shega: Director of Production
Tyson Henkels: Cinematographer + Actor
Vanessa M.H. Powers: Editor

ABOUT SAINT PAUL PUBLIC SCHOOLS

At Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS), our mission is both bold and simple: to inspire students to think critically, pursue their dreams and change the world. SPPS is Minnesota's second-largest school district, educating over 33,000 students across 68 schools. Highly trained and deeply dedicated staff, cutting-edge academic programs, and strong community support are among the district’s hallmarks. Our students speak more than 115+ languages, sharing their ideas and cultures with their classmates and teachers every single day.

ABOUT CAPTIVATE MEDIA

Captivate Media is a motion graphics and video production company that empowers school districts to get results by developing strategic communications and marketing solutions that address ever changing needs. We have worked with over 300 school districts and education organizations in Minnesota and across the country to craft high-impact professional video, animation and graphic design that communicate complex messages with clarity, purpose and intent.

SPPS Literacy Changes

Thanks in part to American Rescue Plan funding, SPPS has made multiple shifts in literacy instruction to better align with the science of reading research and structured literacy practices over the past several years. To date, 160 SPPS educators have completed evidence-based training in literacy instruction, and 1,200 more are completing the state-required READ Act training this school year.

In 2021, SPPS created the What I Need Now (WINN) program and hired 84 teachers to provide small-group reading instruction to students who needed additional support. During the 2023-24 school year, more than 3,100 SPPS students received WINN support. Based on quarterly assessments from fall 2023 to spring 2024, 90% of these students showed typical or aggressive growth in their literacy skills.

“It has been encouraging to see members of the SPPS community join together to make literacy a priority,” said Sue Braithwaite, assistant director of elementary learning for Saint Paul Public Schools. “As a result of our efforts, we are seeing promising trends in our literacy data. We are very optimistic about what the future holds for SPPS as we continue to work toward increasing reading proficiency for all students.”

Last year, the district also launched SPPS Reads, a public campaign that included providing reading resources for families and hosting districtwide events to get students and families excited about reading. This documentary is the latest chapter in this ongoing initiative. For more information, visit spps.org/reads.