Resources for Caregivers

Dear CPS Elementary Caregivers,

Literacy is power—it opens doors to a world of opportunities. The ability to read, write, speak, and listen effectively not only deepens our understanding of ourselves and others but also enhances our engagement with and impact on the world around us. As caregivers and educators, it is our shared responsibility to ensure that every student, especially those furthest from justice, receives high-quality instruction that empowers them to use literacy as a tool for communication, self-expression, access and agency.

With this goal in mind, 1st-5th grade classrooms across our district will begin using the Amplify CKLA (2nd Edition) literacy curriculum in all elementary schools this September. Amplify CKLA provides a rigorous, knowledge-building framework grounded in the Science of Reading, ensuring that every student receives the instruction they need to thrive.

In preparation for this adoption, the ELA Department organized a Bias Review Team comprised of educators and administrators from across the district. This team thoroughly reviewed the curriculum for bias and developed strategic revisions and supplements at each grade level. These enhancements ensure that our lessons reflect a rich diversity of individuals, authors, and perspectives, aligning with our district’s inclusive values. Additionally, students will engage in explicit instruction of critical reading strategies, learning to analyze texts and media for potential bias, stereotypes, perspective, and accuracy. They will explore how an author’s background and the historical context of a text can shape its content and discuss how different perspectives, including their own, can influence understanding.

Importantly, curricular alignment does not mean scripted, identical classes; rather, it ensures that every student has access to the same high-quality, grade-appropriate materials. Educator teams, supported by district and school-based literacy coaches, will engage in ongoing planning opportunities to ensure that the delivery of these materials aligns with best practices for dual-language, special education, Montessori, and SEI classrooms. Educators will use their passion and expertise to plan and facilitate lessons that are culturally and linguistically sustaining, engaging, and tailored to the unique needs of their students.

With this curriculum adoption, we remain steadfast in our commitment to building students' knowledge, skills, confidence, and independence as critical readers, writers, speakers, and learners. We encourage you to reach out to the ELA/Literacy department, your child's principal and teachers, or your school's literacy coach with any questions, suggestions or concerns.

In partnership,

The ELA/Literacy Department

ELA/Literacy Update For Caregivers, 2025
Video | Podcast

Video/Podcast Contents:

• Why we selected CKLA (0:00)
• What makes it "research based" (4:57)
• How CPS adapted the program (9:26)
• Hear directly from classroom teachers (10:30-32:07)
  1. Grade 1 (10:31)
  2. Grade 2 (13:47)
  3. Grade 3 (17:33)
  4. Grade 4 (21:14)
  5. Grade 5 (23:21)
  6. Dual Language (28:34)
  7. SCALE / Special Education (32:07)
• Student opinion - survey results (35:18)
• Additional information / closing (35:49)