Davis School District board adopts Amplify CKLA as primary K–6 ELA materials

The Davis School District board voted unanimously March 19 to adopt Amplify CKLA as the district's primary K 6 English language arts materials and Amplify ELA for sixth grade, beginning in August 2024. District staff told the board the decision followed a multiyear review and a committee process involving teachers and parents.

District curriculum leaders told the board they followed state literacy law (SB 127) and the district's adoption rubric, running three rounds of review that included committee pass/fail screening, grade-level evaluations by teachers and parents, and vendor presentations. Julie Barlow, who led the adoption committees, said the committee tested five products, reduced the field to two, and after presentations chose the Amplify products because they scored highest across the rubric even after considering cost and implementation needs.

"We feel like Amplify CKLA for K 5 and Amplify ELA for grade 6 is the best materials for us moving ahead," Barlow said, summarizing the committee's recommendation. Board members pressed staff on training and classroom adaptability; curriculum directors said multiple training days have already taken place and a continuing professional learning plan and FAQ documents will be published for schools.

Board members acknowledged concerns raised by teachers during the review but said they were reassured by the committee process and the district's training plan. Several board members noted the adoption aligns with recent statewide moves to emphasize structured literacy, phonics and phonemic awareness as foundational reading skills.

The board formally moved and seconded the adoption and approved it by voice vote. Superintendent Dr. Linford and curriculum staff said they would circulate implementation guidance and prepare optional deeper training sessions over the summer for teachers who request them. The district said parent- and teacher-facing materials and an FAQ will be made publicly available so schools and families can prepare for the transition.

The action closes the formal procurement and adoption step; implementation and classroom rollout will begin in August 2024 with district-supported training and follow-up.