Dear CKLA Pilot Families,
As you are aware, your child’s class is participating in Valley Central’s literacy pilot program this school year. We have been piloting an innovative language arts program called the Amplify Core Knowledge Language Arts (Amplify CKLA).
At this time, the pilot committee– composed of pilot teachers throughout the district and our district literacy consultants– is in the process of gathering feedback and making a recommendation for program adoption for next school year. Your feedback as a parent is crucial in helping us determine whether the program should be adopted district-wide for the 2025 – ‘26 school year.
Why are we piloting a Literacy Program?
The New York State Education Department (NYSED) is prioritizing instructional practices outlined in its Literacy Briefs that are grounded in the science of reading—a research-based approach that focuses on how students learn to read, including the development of phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension skills. Additionally, last school year, Governor Hochul introduced the “Back to Basics” initiative, emphasizing the importance of foundational literacy skills and evidence-based reading instruction. The plan has since been signed into legislation and sets new guidelines for literacy instruction across the state, including a requirement that “by September of 2025, all school districts will need to certify with the State Education Department (SED) that their curriculum, instructional strategies, and teacher professional development align with all elements of the evidence-based reading instruction.”
By piloting Amplify CKLA, our district is taking proactive steps to evaluate and select a curriculum that aligns with these state requirements and best meets the needs of our students. Piloting a literacy program allows us to make informed, evidence-based decision-making that enhance literacy skills and support academic success for all students.
Please take a moment to complete this feedback form to share your thoughts and experiences with CKLA. Your input is greatly valued and will play a critical role in our decision-making process.
Thank you for your continued support!
Best regards,
Ivelisse Mojica
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction