Montgomery County Board adopts Core Knowledge Language Arts for grades 6–8, authorizes $1.2 million for materials and training

The Montgomery County Board of Education voted unanimously May 22 to adopt the Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) curriculum for grades 6 through 8 and authorized the superintendent to negotiate agreements not to exceed $1,200,000 in the first year to buy required instructional materials and fund professional learning.

Board and staff leaders said the move is intended to improve middle‑school literacy by adopting a knowledge‑building program aligned with the district's existing K–5 materials and to provide a consistent scope and sequence across grades.

"I'm thrilled that MCPS is focused on instruction and making decisions about curriculum," Superintendent (Doctor) Taylor told the board as the district presented the recommendation. Chief Academic Officer Nikki Hazel and Chief of Student Support Services Margaret Cage described implementation steps and commitments to supplemental supports for students who need scaffolding. "Our primary goal here today is really focused around improving student achievement," Cage said during the presentation.

Why it matters: MCPS and speakers at the meeting framed the adoption as a response to stagnant literacy outcomes and persistent achievement gaps. CKLA is a knowledge‑building approach that sequences content across years and…