Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Curriculum topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Ogden board adopts unified K–6 English language arts curriculum, selects Amplify
Summary
After months of committee review and public comment, the Ogden School Board voted to adopt a single K–6 ELA curriculum and selected Amplify, with administrators citing coherence across grades and a significant cost difference versus the alternative.
The Ogden School Board on April 17 voted to adopt a unified kindergarten through sixth‑grade English language arts curriculum and selected Amplify as the district’s K–6 core ELA program.
Executive Director of Student Achievement Adam McMickle told the board he recommended a single, districtwide K–6 adoption to ensure program integrity, vertical alignment and consistent coaching across elementary grades. McMickle said both finalist programs were high quality but that Amplify was preferable when weighed against the roughly $59,000‑per‑year cost difference his team found for the alternative (Open Up/EL Education). McMickle summarized the recommendation: adopt a single K–6 curriculum and select Amplify as the district’s core ELA program.
The recommendation followed months of committee work. McMickle told the board there were two independent review committees (K–2 and 3–6), each with about 10 members; the K–2 committee preferred Amplify while the 3–6 committee recommended EL/Open Up.
Several classroom teachers who attended the meeting urged the board to choose the curriculum they said would be most accessible to students who arrive below grade level. Fifth‑grade teacher Amity Rockwell of Newbridge said the district’s midyear Acadience data show high levels of students below benchmark and that Open Up’s reliance on background knowledge could put many of her pupils “out of reach.” Rockwell concluded, “I respectfully urge you to vote in favor of Amplify.” District librarian Lisa Papras, who previously taught third grade and has worked with Amplify for 11 years in other schools, told the board she had seen the benefits of a knowledge‑building curriculum that introduces content early and revisits it across grades.
Board members discussed tradeoffs including the committee split, teacher coaching needs, and the ability for teachers to access foundational skills lessons regardless of which program is chosen. Board member Zumbel moved to approve the recommended option (unified K–6 with Amplify); board member Allred seconded the motion. The chair called for the voice vote and the motion passed.
Board and staff members said the decision was made with attention to implementation supports and follow‑up coaching. McMickle noted the adoption followed two public comment opportunities (including March 20 and April 17) and that staff would continue to work with principals and instructional coaches to support rollout.
The board’s action replaces the current mixed approach and directs administration to begin implementation planning, including teacher training and schedules for materials distribution.
Votes at a glance: Motion to adopt a unified K–6 ELA adoption and select Amplify — motion by Board member Zumbel; second by Board member Allred; outcome: approved (voice vote).
