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Board approves $80,304 field test of Amplify CKLA for elementary ELA; team-led rollout and metrics outlined
Summary
After a multi-step selection process using the state rubric and local teacher panels, the board approved a field test purchase of Amplify CKLA (third edition) for elementary classrooms. The SALT team will run the field test, collect benchmarks, focus groups and teacher feedback and recommend midyear whether to expand.
The board authorized an $80,304 expenditure to field-test Amplify CKLA (third edition) in elementary classrooms after a multi-stage review by district teachers and administrators, Brad told the board. "We're looking to have your authorization to spend $80,304 on the field test of Amplify CKLA third edition," Brad said during the presentation.
Brad described a teacher-led process: the district's ELA SALT team and the Curriculum Advisory Committee used the Illinois curriculum evaluation rubric and local augmentation to review five vendors, narrowed to two products for extended demonstrations and then selected Amplify CKLA as the product to field test. The district plans a teacher-led, year-long field test with representation from most grade levels and schools (Hooverwood was the only elementary not represented on the SALT team), and the SALT team designed data collection that includes beginning-of-year benchmarks, classroom observations, student work samples, teacher surveys and focus groups.
Brad and other staff emphasized that the field test is intentionally limited and teacher-led to avoid the common pitfall of large costly rollouts without teacher buy-in. He said the SALT team will monitor implementation and that the team expects midyear data sufficient to shape decisions and prepare for a potential broader rollout in subsequent years.
The funding request drew questions about evaluation criteria and costs for full implementation if the pilot succeeds. Staff said the ISBE alignment tool and vendor rubrics were used; they reported sample rubric scores (e.g., foundational skills 75 of 84; building knowledge 178 of 192) as part of the vendor review. Brad said longer-term adoption could be substantially more expensive and that the district budget includes a placeholder for a future purchase if the pilot shows success.
The motion to approve the $80,304 expenditure was moved by Danielle and seconded by Kristen; a roll-call vote was held and the motion passed.
Ending: The SALT team will begin the field test, collect the agreed data and report back to the board with midyear findings and recommendations for next steps.
