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English Language Arts

McKeesport Area School District strives to provide students with a comprehensive education. At the elementary level, english language arts instruction is comprised of the following, through Amplify CKLA.

What is Amplify CKLA?

Amplify CKLA is a literacy program that helps students build knowledge and skills in english language arts. It puts research into action with explicit, systematic foundational skills instruction and a proven knowledge-building sequence. This curriculum is designed to put every child on the path to college and career readiness.

Kindergarten to 2nd Grade

In Grades K–2, CKLA is built on a simple but powerful idea: becoming a reader requires two kinds of mastery. That's why instruction is intentionally split into two complementary strands — each addressing one half of the literacy equation.

The Skills Strand
  • Focus: Phonics, word recognition, spelling, and writing mechanics
  • Methods: Direct instruction in the "code" of English
  • Goal: Master foundational reading skills and language conventions
The Knowledge Strand
  • Focus: Background knowledge, vocabulary, and oral language
  • Methods: Complex narrative and informational read-alouds
  • Goal: Build comprehension through listening and speaking

These two strands are united by the Simple View of Reading: Decoding × Language Comprehension = Reading Comprehension. CKLA is unique because it builds both sides simultaneously — so your child doesn't just learn to read words, they understand what those words mean.

Learn more about Amplify CKLA's K-2 ELA curriculum on their website.

3rd Grade to 5th Grade

In Kindergarten through 2nd Grade, students learned through two separate strands — Skills (decoding and mechanics) and Knowledge (listening and vocabulary). By 3rd Grade, decoding becomes more automatic, and these strands come together into one seamless experience.

Integrated Units

Instruction flows fluidly between reading, writing, speaking, and listening — all centered on a single rich topic such as Geology, the American Revolution, or the Renaissance. Students build deep expertise in each subject while practicing every literacy skill simultaneously.

Quests

Quests are immersive, narrative-driven units where students step into engaging scenarios — like hosting a game show or embarking on a Viking voyage. These real-world contexts give students a meaningful purpose for applying their reading and writing skills, making learning unforgettable.

Learn more about Amplify CKLA's 3-5 ELA curriculum on their website.