As we continue our CKLA field test journey throughout the 2024-2025 school year, we’re excited to report the progress from our elementary schools across the district. Amplify CKLA represents a significant shift in how we approach reading instruction. Unlike traditional methods, this curriculum emphasizes a knowledge-building approach based in Science of Reading principles. Along with systematic and explicit phonics, teachers implementing CKLA create a rich, engaging learning environment that connects reading with deep comprehension and critical thinking.

CLICK HERE to view chapter one of the OASD 2024-2025 CKLA literacy series.

Teacher Perspectives and Classroom Observations

Increased Student Engagement

Throughout the first semester of the CKLA field test, K-5 teachers observed increased levels of student engagement in literacy learning within the new curriculum. The historical and scientific themes embedded in each unit played a key role in this shift.

“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,” said Leah LeClair, fourth-grade teacher at Lakeside Elementary.

Accessibility and Adaptability 

Educators and professional staff praised CKLA’s approach for making skill development and content knowledge accessible to students of varying levels of literacy proficiency. They noted the curriculum’s ability to address individual learning obstacles effectively.

“CKLA is very intentional in the areas of phonics, phonemic awareness, vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency - which are the five pillars of literacy,” said Cindy Smith, literacy Instructional Support Teacher (IST) at Read Elementary. “I really feel that CKLA - in the study of  Science of Reading and how the brain works - teaches those modalities that every brain can access. We might have to work with some of our kids a little longer in certain areas for different reasons, but CKLA still lays that strong foundation that students can build upon.”

Compounding Knowledge Building

CKLA integrates skill building and core knowledge understanding into many areas of student writing, reading, listening, and speaking activities. The intersectional approach allows students to review newly learned concepts through repeated exposures within the course material.

“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,” explained Read Elementary first-grade teacher, Sharon DePaoli. “Everybody can practice the skills that we’re working on each day in every lesson.”

Excitement About Student Potential

Teachers are encouraged by their students’ enthusiasm for learning challenging content. Successfully mastering new skills and diving into complex subjects has boosted students’ confidence and learning potential.

“I’m proud to be participating in this field study because I feel like it is giving what is best for students right now,” stated Ms. LeClair. “I have high expectations for all of my students, and I feel that the CKLA curriculum really sets those high expectations and shows the students that they can do rigorous learning and read rigorous texts.” 

Join Our Journey

We encourage everyone in our community—parents, educators, and residents—to stay engaged with us as we explore the evolving impact of CKLA and its potential to transform literacy outcomes for all of our students. Stay tuned for more video spotlights that will provide deeper insights into CKLA and its impact on our students' learning.

Literacy is not just an academic goal - it's a pathway to opportunity. Together, we're building a stronger future, one reader at a time.