This summer, Roseburg Schools offered targeted early literacy programs for K–4 students, inviting participants based on mid-year reading achievement data to provide extra support where it was needed most. Students from our elementary schools came together at Hucrest and Sunnyslope, with transportation and meals provided to ensure access for all.

The program, funded by Oregon Early Literacy and Oregon Department of Education Summer Learning grants, gave students and staff an early start with our new district-wide English/Language Arts curriculum — Core Knowledge Language Arts & Literacy Curriculum. This nationally recognized K–5 program, grounded in the Science of Reading and Writing, builds strong foundational skills, deepens content knowledge, and integrates reading and writing so students become confident readers, writers, and thinkers. "I really like how the curriculum approaches learning from multiple angles. It accommodates different learning styles, which makes a big difference,” said instructional assistant, Sabrina Allgood.

Teachers saw first-hand how the new materials sparked student engagement and motivation. "The new English/Language Arts adoption is highly engaging… They’re all invested and choosing to read on their own. It’s rigorous and fast-paced, but they’re keeping up, because they’re truly engaged," said Lisa Lyons, a new teacher at Fullerton IV.

For administrators, the summer program offered a valuable head start before the curriculum launches district-wide this fall. "It’s super cool that we’ve been able to use the new ELA curriculum that’s being implemented this fall. Teachers get the chance to work with it ahead of time, and students are already becoming familiar with it," said Jennifer Thompson, principal at Hucrest Elementary.

By focusing on student growth, building strong school connections, and creating opportunities for success, this program has helped set the stage for a confident and inspired start to the new school year.

To learn more about Amplify Core Knowledge Language Arts & Literacy Curriculum, visit the CKLA website.