School board approves Amplify's MClass intervention program for K-5 literacy assessment

The Maple Heights City Schools Board Meeting on April 28, 2025, focused on key educational initiatives, including the approval of a two-year agreement with Amplify for the implementation of the MCAS intervention program for grades K-5. The agreement, valued at $124,947.20, aims to enhance literacy assessment and intervention strategies within the district.

Superintendent discussions highlighted the limitations of the current I Ready program, which primarily assesses content without adequately measuring reading fluency and speed. The proposed MClass program from Amplify offers a more comprehensive assessment approach, including one-minute fluency checks conducted by teachers. This method allows for a more personalized evaluation of student reading abilities, addressing the gaps identified in the existing system.

The board emphasized the importance of aligning the new program with the CKLA literacy curriculum, which is also developed by Amplify. This alignment is expected to facilitate better intervention strategies tailored to individual student needs. The transition from I Ready to MClass is planned to occur once the current I Ready contract concludes, ensuring that the district does not continue with a program that does not meet its evolving educational requirements.

In addition to the main topic, the board also discussed revisions to the academic calendar for the 2025-2026 school year, aiming to synchronize spring break with other schools in the Heights CTE consortium. This change is intended to foster collaboration and consistency among local educational institutions.

The meeting concluded with a unanimous vote to approve the agreement with Amplify, marking a significant step towards improving literacy education in Maple Heights City Schools. The board's decisions reflect a commitment to enhancing student learning outcomes and ensuring that assessment tools are effective and aligned with curriculum standards.