Fox Cities News

The ongoing field test of the Amplify Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) curriculum in elementary schools is showing promising results, according to teachers across the district. The CKLA program represents a departure from traditional reading instruction methods by focusing on building knowledge through Science of Reading principles. This approach combines systematic phonics with deep comprehension and critical thinking.

Teachers have noted increased student engagement due to the historical and scientific themes within each unit. Leah LeClair, a fourth-grade teacher at Lakeside Elementary, remarked on her students' enthusiasm: “Helping students to see history and relate it to their lives today - looking at words and text in a deeper way - our room is abuzz with conversations. Now, students ask questions beyond the text - questions that I have not even asked them - so witnessing their engagement develop naturally has been really exciting to see.”

The curriculum's accessibility for students with varying literacy proficiency levels has also been praised. Cindy Smith, Literacy Instructional Support Teacher at Read Elementary, emphasized CKLA’s focus on essential literacy skills: “CKLA is very intentional in the areas of phonics, phonemic awareness, vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency - which are the five pillars of literacy.”

Furthermore, CKLA integrates skill-building with core knowledge understanding across various activities. Sharon DePaoli from Read Elementary described it as comprehensive: “From a teacher’s perspective, CKLA is so much more comprehensive than curriculum we’ve used in the past. The lessons are very rigorous because the kids are held accountable.”

Teachers have expressed optimism about their students' potential under this new curriculum framework. Ms. LeClair stated her pride in participating in the field study: “I’m proud to be participating in this field study because I feel like it is giving what is best for students right now.”

The community is encouraged to stay engaged as this initiative continues throughout the school year.