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District staff recommend Benchmark Adelante for Amigos Unidos K–5; six‑year cost estimated at $172,593
Summary
Teaching‑and‑learning leaders told the Stillwater Area Public Schools board they recommend Benchmark Adelante for the Amigos Unidos dual‑language K–5 program after committee review and community feedback; staff estimate a six‑year implementation cost of $172,593 to be paid from capital funds and said formal board action will be requested in two weeks.
District curriculum staff presented the final recommendation from a year‑long review of K–5 literacy materials for the Amigos Unidos dual‑language program, saying the committee narrowed four candidates to two finalists and selected Benchmark Adelante as the recommended Spanish‑language curriculum.
Caitlin and Sky (district staff) described a committee composed of multilingual and special education teachers, classroom teachers, a principal and district leadership that conducted deep‑dive lesson planning and gathered parent and teacher feedback. The team found Benchmark Adelante offers diverse, authentic Spanish texts, a comprehensive literacy block covering decoding, comprehension, writing, speaking and listening, and built‑in professional development and digital integration that fits the district’s existing platforms.
Staff explained the dual‑language model means K–2 instruction will be predominantly Spanish, third grade will introduce about 20% English, fourth moves toward 70/30 Spanish/English and fifth aims for an approximately 50/50 split to build dual literacy over time. They emphasized adoption is a three‑year implementation requiring alignment, refinement and sustainability, and that student progress will be monitored with universal screeners, unit assessments and MCAs.
On costs, presenters said total implementation over six years is estimated at $172,593 covering teacher and student materials, professional development and vendor support; they noted immersion‑specific Spanish texts can raise shipping and tariff costs. Staff said the purchase would be funded from capital dollars and that the district will return in two weeks to seek board action.
Board members asked about replacement costs beyond six years, the curriculum’s articulation into middle school, and comparisons with peer districts; staff said some student materials will be periodically replaced, the district recently hired an AU immersion coordinator to support K–8 articulation, and that surrounding districts commonly use either Amplify/Caminos or Benchmark products.
No formal vote was taken; staff will request formal action at a future meeting.
