Gardner–Edgerton staff recommend Amplify CKLA for K–5, Savvas My Perspectives for grades 6–12

The Gardner–Edgerton Unified School District’s curriculum committee recommended on Jan. 12 that the board adopt Amplify CKLA for kindergarten through fifth grade and Savvas My Perspectives for grades six through 12 as the district’s new English language arts instructional resources.

The recommendation, presented by Dr. Booth and district curriculum leads, followed a three‑phase process—plan, study and act—that included teacher representatives from elementary through high school, independent reviews (EdReports), consultations with neighboring Johnson County districts and structured teacher previews. Beth Barrett, a second‑grade teacher and curriculum writer, said the committee used a “What Matters Most” framework and focused on structured literacy and the science of reading while aligning selections to Kansas standards.

Laurie Stratton, representing the high school, said the committee required materials to earn favorable reviews on EdReports and consulted reading‑focused organizations in its vetting. The team reported that middle and elementary representatives extended review time to ensure broader teacher access and that vendors provided presentations and follow‑up answers to committee questions.

If the board approves the recommendation next month, the district plans to incorporate teacher feedback into professional development and implementation plans. The presenters outlined an April 27 full‑day PD session to introduce the materials and train staff on classroom use.

Board members praised the thorough, district‑led process, stressing that the district first wrote its curriculum and then selected resources to support that curriculum. No formal vote on adoption was recorded at the Jan. 12 meeting; the board will act on the recommendation at a subsequent meeting.