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Board adopts Amplify CKLA for K–5 after review committee recommends structured-literacy program
Summary
The Abington Board approved Amplify Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) 3rd edition for kindergarten through grade 5, following a superintendent's committee review emphasizing alignment with the science of reading.
The Abington Board of School Directors voted Jan. 14 to adopt Amplify Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA), 3rd edition, as the district’s K–5 English language arts instructional materials.
Why it matters: district presenters said the superintendent’s committee (53 members representing stakeholders) reviewed available programs between fall 2023 and fall 2024 and selected Amplify CKLA for its combination of systematic foundational-skills instruction and a knowledge-building strand intended to support comprehension and equity. The presenters told the board the current program, Journeys, will be discontinued and is not available for renewal in 2025.
Program features noted in the presentation included a structured literacy approach aligned to science-of-reading principles, an expanded skills component through grade 3 to support the transition from “learning to read” to “reading to learn,” integrated writing instruction and a knowledge sequence that exposes students to grade-level content across domains. Teachers who previewed the program during professional development days provided feedback cited by district staff.
Financial and implementation notes: district staff said the vendor agreed to a three-year payment plan covering a six-year materials cycle; after six years the district would renegotiate renewal pricing. Staff said elementary classrooms would prioritize print materials during core instruction while using digital resources for centers and independent work.
Board action: the adoption passed on a roll-call vote Jan. 14 (recorded as unanimous in the meeting’s roll call). The district will bring implementation timelines and professional-development plans before the board as materials are purchased and training scheduled.
Speakers in the presentation included Dr. Stephanie Viola (assistant director, elementary teaching and learning), Janine Sacks (supervisor of literacy) and other elementary staff who answered board questions on assessment and daily-minute alignment.
