Urbandale Community School District (UCSD) elementary teachers are in comprehensive training this summer to prepare for the initial implementation of Amplify Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) across all elementary grades next fall. This new literacy curriculum, based on the Science of Reading, aims to develop strong readers, writers, and thinkers by combining foundational skills with rich content knowledge.

Amplify CKLA utilizes a two-part approach:

• Skills Strand: This part directly teaches foundational reading skills like phonological awareness, phonics, decoding, spelling, grammar, and handwriting. Students will use decodable texts to practice new letter-sound relationships.
• Knowledge Strand: Alongside skills instruction, this strand builds students’ background knowledge and vocabulary. This happens through shared read-alouds and discussions across subjects such as science, history, literature, and culture. Building a strong knowledge base is key for advanced reading comprehension.

For Urbandale students, this means an engaging and structured path to literacy. They’ll receive explicit phonics instruction, focusing on how sounds connect to written words. At the same time, they’ll explore various fascinating topics, building a robust vocabulary that will boost their overall understanding and critical thinking.

Parents can expect their children to bring home decodable books in the early grades, allowing them to practice reading words with learned sounds. Children will also discuss diverse topics from history, science, and literature, broadening their understanding of the world. UCSD will also provide resources through its “Parent University” platform, offering tools and insights to support literacy learning at home.

Urbandale teachers are enthusiastic about the new curriculum. A Kindergarten Teacher shared, “The training has been incredibly insightful, giving us evidence-based strategies to make reading instruction truly effective. I’m especially excited about how the Knowledge Strand will expand our students’ worlds and build their comprehension in a meaningful way.”

A 4th Grade teacher commented, “Amplify CKLA offers a clear roadmap for teaching literacy. Knowing we’re implementing a program deeply rooted in the Science of Reading gives us confidence that all our students will become proficient readers.”

This summer’s intensive professional development is vital for a smooth and successful launch of Amplify CKLA. Urbandale educators are committed to using this new curriculum to foster a love of reading and ensure every student develops the strong literacy skills essential for their academic journey.

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