Duxbury pilot teachers pick CKLA after two-program elementary literacy trial

Duxbury Public Schools staff reported on Jan. 29 that elementary teachers who piloted two literacy programs overwhelmingly chose the Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) program for broader implementation planning.

Curriculum leaders described a two-stage pilot: teachers tested HMH Into Reading in the fall and CKLA from November through January. The district said the evaluation included teacher feedback, student interviews (grades 2'5), and parent input. According to the presentation in the meeting packet and district commentary, teachers and interviewed students favored CKLA for engagement and learning outcomes.

District leaders said the next steps are to develop an implementation plan, align professional development to the new curriculum, and examine materials and publisher offerings. Staff cautioned that the publisher has updated the program and that material purchases would have to be timed and budgeted with that update in mind. For the remainder of the year, pilot classrooms will continue to use available print materials while staff evaluate options for spring and next school year.

Committee members asked about the program scope and whether CKLA provides phonics and foundational literacy elements; district staff confirmed CKLA includes foundational components and said the policy and implementation subcommittees will review how other supports (for example, Hegarty or other supplemental materials) intersect with the new curriculum.

District staff also asked the committee to recognize the teachers who volunteered for the pilot and said the unanimous decision was unusual and reflected sustained teacher work on both curricula.