Board approves Amplify CKLA adoption for K–5 literacy after pilot

The Webster Groves School District on a voice vote approved purchasing Amplify CKLA as the district's K5 foundational literacy program, following a multi-month pilot and committee evaluation. The motion to approve the purchase (initial 2026 cost cited as $326,331.18 and an annual recurring cost of $58,915) passed after presentation of pilot data and committee recommendations.

Dr. Toomer, presenting the review and pilot findings, said the committee evaluated multiple vendors using an eight-category rubric and extended classroom pilots so teachers could see the curricular sequence take effect. She told the board that CKLA (Amplify) earned strong statewide and research evidence in foundational skills, outperformed alternatives in fall-to-winter iReady growth across several grades and showed particular strength in early grades and with some historically underserved subgroups.

"CKLA was tier 1 with strong evidence of success," Dr. Toomer said, and noted that pilot teachers found the program's scope and sequence reduced the need for supplemental phonics materials. She described built-in family communications, professional development and embedded scaffolds for multilingual learners.

Board members asked questions about representation in the pilot, equity and rollout supports. One board member requested clarity on readers and text diversity; Toomer said she found the materials included varied representation and that the program's knowledge-rich read-alouds increased student engagement. The presentation included an outlined PD plan: principal training in May, facilitator boot camps in June, PD offerings in July and August and grade-level sessions at the back-to-school period.

A board member moved to approve the purchase and the motion was seconded; the board voted in favor and the purchase passed. The approved budget line cited the initial 2026 payment and the recurring license costs, and the superintendent's office will present the implementation timeline and professional learning schedule to the board as the district finalizes vendor contracts and rollout logistics.

Next steps include vendor-conducted professional development, rollout of teacher materials and ongoing progress monitoring tied to the district's assessment plan.