Dennis‑Yarmouth school committee approves five‑year Amplify ELA contract for grades 6–8

The Dennis‑Yarmouth Regional School Committee voted to enter a five‑year license agreement with Amplify on May 19, approving a new English language arts curriculum for grades 6–8.

The committee approved the contract by voice vote with six members in favor and one abstention. The motion to enter a five‑year license agreement passed; the transcript does not record the individual who moved or seconded the motion.

Miss Santini, who led the curriculum review committee presentation, said the committee used DESE’s CURATE reviews, classroom piloting and a rubric tied to district goals to evaluate five contenders. “Of the 6 voting members, 5 chose Amplify ELA and there was 1 vote for CommonLit 360,” she told the committee, summarizing the group’s recommendation and noting the choice was reached by consensus among committee members.

The recommendation included a multi‑year implementation plan to be developed with a DESE‑approved instructional coach if the district secures a PRISM grant that may cover up to 50% of material and implementation costs. Miss Santini described the PRISM grant as providing funding “for the purchase, launch, and implementation of high quality instructional materials in ELA literacy” and said grant funds could pay for leadership coaching, professional learning and stipends for a PRISM curriculum council.

Superintendent Dr. Mark Smith (Superintendent) and Miss Santini told the committee Amplify provides pre‑school‑year professional development and coaching, classroom observation support and an October PD day for strengthening implementation. Santini also noted built‑in assessments and an AI component that provides automated, rubric‑aligned feedback on student writing.

Committee members asked about flexibility for teachers, effects on K–5 sequencing, and alternative funding if the PRISM grant is not awarded. Miss Santini and Dr. Smith said implementation planning and vendor supports would proceed even without the grant, but added that the grant would materially reduce district costs; Dr. Smith said the district has a revolving account that could cover the full expense if necessary.

The committee set contract length at five years; upon approval, materials will be ordered and an implementation timeline and professional learning plan will move forward, subject to grant outcomes and the creation of a PRISM curriculum council.

The vote closes the formal procurement step; the committee’s action commits the district to the vendor license as presented.