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Board adopts Amplify elementary science curriculum, provides time and materials for EPT teachers
Summary
The Salina Board approved adoption of the Amplify elementary science curriculum for the district’s eight EPT (extra plan time) teachers, set aside 30 minutes in elementary schedules for science and authorized staff training and materials.
The Salina Public Schools Board of Education voted June 10 to adopt the Amplify elementary science curriculum and to provide materials and training for the district’s eight EPT teachers so they can expand classroom science instruction in 2025‑26.
The change aims to return more consistent, standards‑aligned science instruction to elementary classrooms; district staff said principals have allotted an additional 30 minutes to each elementary schedule next year to ensure classroom time for science.
Krista Linnenberger, a district staff member who led the adoption work, told the board the effort began after the Kansas State Department of Education recommended 45 minutes per day for core subjects. Linnenberger described a year‑long committee process that included classroom and EPT teachers and a four‑week pilot of Crafting the final recommendation, she said the committee selected Amplify because it is on the What Works Clearinghouse, meets NGSS standards and includes classroom kits.
"The pilot program from the teacher said the students experienced great rigor and enthusiasm, which led to more in‑depth and higher level discussion," Linnenberger reported to the board, relaying pilot teacher feedback. She added teachers appreciated that the Amplify kits contain the materials needed to run lessons.
District staff clarified the initial purchase is for the eight EPT teachers who will use Amplify in their dedicated science periods; classroom teachers will continue to use district resources and the curriculum team will provide planned lesson frameworks so classroom teachers can present a 30‑minute science lesson during the school day. Linnenberger said the district will provide training and continue committee planning throughout the year.
A board motion moved the item from discussion to action and to approve the adoption; the board recorded the vote as "Motion carries 6‑0." District staff said materials and training should begin this summer so teachers can implement the program in the fall.
The board did not identify a dollar figure for the initial purchase during the meeting; staff said training and materials are included in the district’s existing professional development budget.
