Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Curriculum Adoption topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Beatrice board adopts Amplify CKLA as K-5 reading curriculum in $272,597.92, seven-year adoption
Summary
The Beatrice Public Schools Board of Education approved a seven-year adoption of Amplify’s Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) for kindergarten through fifth grade on March 10, 2025, at a cost of $272,597.92. District staff said the program best met local needs and the state reading goal for third grade.
The Beatrice Public Schools Board of Education voted March 10 to adopt Amplify’s Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) for kindergarten through fifth grade, approving a seven-year purchase priced at $272,597.92.
Board members and staff said the district reviewed multiple programs and selected CKLA after teacher and administrator review. Dr. Nielsen (district staff member) told the board the team reviewed seven programs, narrowed them to two finalists and relied on both research and teacher feedback in recommending CKLA.
"This is a resource that will help us continue to become better reading teachers," Dr. Nielsen said. She also said the district will provide professional development to support implementation and noted state goals for third-grade reading proficiency as part of the district’s rationale.
Supporters of the selection said the district’s existing program — HMH’s Journeys — had been in use seven years and was no longer meeting local needs, and access to that program would end next year. School staff told the board they considered research from organizations including the Reading League and used both qualitative and quantitative rubrics in their review.
The motion to adopt CKLA was moved by a board member and seconded by Board Member Eric. The board approved the purchase; the board president called for votes and the motion passed.
Implementation details provided to the board specify the adoption covers kindergarten through fifth grade for seven years and that the district will provide professional development during rollout. The total contract price presented to the board was $272,597.92.
The board approved the purchase as part of its action agenda; staff said they expect the curriculum and associated training to support work toward the state’s third-grade reading goal for 2030.
A record of the agenda and the district’s purchase documents will be available in the superintendent’s office during normal business hours.
