Welcome to Amplify Core Knowledge Language Arts California!
Amplify Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) is the original Science of Reading program: a proven, research-based reading curriculum that has transformed literacy instruction for grades TK–5. For more than a decade, CKLA has helped students grow into confident readers, writers, and thinkers while giving teachers the tools to inspire curiosity and deepen comprehension. Amplify CKLA California is fully aligned to the CA CCSS for ELA.
Together, we’re shaping a new generation of learners, one chapter at a time. Let’s write the next chapter in the Science of Reading.
Our Approach
Built on research and proven to meet the strongest ESSA Tier I criteria
Amplify CKLA California combines explicit foundational skills instruction with deep knowledge building to deliver measurable, lasting results.
Discover how this Science of Reading approach builds both foundational skills and rich knowledge across subjects while fostering confident writers and communicators.
Grounded in the Science of Reading
As the original Science of Reading program, Amplify CKLA turns research into classroom results. The curriculum’s comprehensive approach includes key elements designed for effective literacy development:
- Explicit, systematic skills instruction that supports decoding and fluency.
- A proven knowledge-building sequence that deepens comprehension.
- Resources and support created with educators and literacy experts.
Knowledge that sticks
A coherent, cumulative approach to knowledge building:
- Strengthens comprehension through intentional, connected learning.
- Raises reading scores and closes achievement gaps.
- Connects learning within and across grades through topics in science, social studies, literature, and the arts.
Amplify CKLA takes this even further with the most robust knowledge sequence of any core literacy program—proven to help students retain and apply what they learn.
Foundational skills through Grade 5
From sounds to spelling to fluent reading, students develop a complete foundation for literacy success. In grades K–2, Amplify CKLA California explicitly teaches the 150 spellings for the 44 sounds of English in a structured progression that ensures mastery. Grades 3–5 continue skill instruction through integrated lessons or targeted intervention, allowing every student to advance at their own pace within this elementary language arts curriculum.
Daily writing that deepens learning
Students using Amplify CKLA California write every day, learning handwriting, spelling, and composition through purposeful practice that connects reading, thinking, and expression. From combining sentences to organizing narratives, each activity strengthens communication and reinforces comprehension. Over time, students gain the clarity and confidence to express their ideas with purpose.
Texts that inspire
Students explore stories and informational texts that build knowledge, spark imagination, and connect learning across subjects.
- K–2: 100% decodable readers let students apply new skills immediately.
- 3–5: Studies of novels inspire reflection, discussion, and critical thinking.
- All grades: Culminating Research Units use authentic nonfiction trade books to extend curiosity.
Reach every learner
Every day with Amplify CKLA California reinforces learning. Embedded scaffolds and enrichment opportunities guarantee meaningful participation for all students, including multilingual/English learners. Language Studio extends this foundation with dedicated English language development, delivering aligned reading, writing, listening, and speaking lessons that support the core curriculum.
Here’s what school leaders across the country say about why they love Amplify CKLA.
See the evidence behind the success. Amplify CKLA California is based on the national edition of Amplify CKLA. Explore the research, efficacy, and case studies to learn more about our proven approach to improving literacy outcomes of Amplify’s national program.
What’s included
Amplify CKLA California provides comprehensive, easy-to-use resources that make teaching effective and engaging in every classroom.
Teacher materials
Everything educators need to plan, teach, assess, and adapt instruction is included in one place:
- Teacher Guides
- Assessment Guides
- Authentic texts and trade books
- Image cards and flip books
- Read-Aloud Big Books (K–1)
- Presentation screens
- Remediation and intervention resources
- On-demand professional learning
Student materials
Students engage with a full set of print and digital tools that build skills, knowledge, and confidence across grades:
- Decodable readers (K–2)
- Student Readers and novels (3–5)
- Activity Books
- Poet’s and Writer’s Journals (3–5)
- eReaders
- The Sound Library
- Practice games
Literary experiences
A rich collection of authentic texts invites students to read widely, think deeply, and explore ideas across subjects, including the following:
- Trade book nonfiction collections
- Poetry units (2–5)
- Classic and contemporary novel studies (3–5)
Hands-on phonics materials
Multisensory tools help students internalize sound-symbol relationships and practice foundational skills with repetition and variety:
- Chaining folders with letter cards (K)
- Blending picture cards (K)
- Large letter cards (K–1)
- Sound Cards (K–2)
- Consonant and Vowel Code Posters and Spelling Cards (1–2)
Digital platform
The Amplify Classroom platform brings planning, assessment, reporting, and student practice together in one accessible hub:
- Presentation screens
- Auto-scored assessments and reporting
- Assignable practice games
- eReaders
- Sound library (K–2)
- On-demand professional development
Designated ELD support
Amplify CKLA California’s designated English Language Development (ELD) component—Language Studio— helps English learners preview and revisit key content within core instruction, building a foundation of academic vocabulary and background knowledge. Language Studio supports teachers and English learners through the following:
- 30 minutes of instruction with lesson segments are carefully designed around Content Knowledge, Meaning Making, Language Development, Effective Expression, and Foundational Skills
- Paired lessons to accompany core lessons, helping English learners deepen domain and academic vocabulary to help them access core content
- Culminating tasks support core projects and target the same skills as primary instruction
Why choose this Amplify program?
Amplify CKLA isn’t new to the Science of Reading—it’s been aligned with Science of Reading research since day one.
Proven, research-backed, and part of a complete literacy and biliteracy suite, Amplify CKLA continues to set the standard while others are still catching up.
- Proven Effective.
Meets ESSA Tier I criteria. Transparent research shows consistent student growth. - Deep knowledge building over time.
Coherent, cumulative sequence that connects learning across subjects. - Foundational skills through 5th grade.
Explicit instruction and targeted support in every grade. - Connected literacy and biliteracy suite including mCLASS, a state approved Risk of Reading Difficulties Screener.
Seamlessly integrates with Amplify assessment, intervention, and Spanish programs. - Science of Reading leadership.
The original Science of Reading program is based on decades of research.
Other programs
- Research findings are limited, inconclusive, or funded by the programs themselves.
- Isolated lessons lack a coherent thread connecting grades and subjects.
- Foundational skills are deprioritized beyond grade 3.
- No Spanish-language support or integration with intervention and assessment tools.
- Repackaged materials that rushed to align with Science of Reading trends.
Proven results, trusted research
180k+
Classrooms
4M+
Students
50
U.S. states + D.C.
Comprehensive assessments to inform instruction
Amplify CKLA and Amplify Caminos California utilize a comprehensive system of assessments aligned to California state standards to support literacy development and instructional goals. This multi-layered system ensures that educators have continuous, actionable data to make informed decisions across all tiers of support.
| Assessment type | Grades K–2 Skills /Lectoescritura | Grades K–2 Knowledge/Conocimiento | Grades 3–5 Integrated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Checks for Understanding |  | | |
| Daily formative assessments | | | |
| Spelling assessments | | | |
| Writing assessments | | | |
| Summative end-of-unit assessments | | | |
| Student Performance Assessments (Benchmarks) | | |
Amplify CKLA California Transitional Kindergarten
Program organization
Amplify CKLA California TK materials and instruction provide explicit, systematic support for developing young children’s language, literacy, and content knowledge within the context of developmentally-appropriate early childhood settings. The teacher-directed and student-led activities in Amplify CKLA California Transitional Kindergarten reflect all strands of the CA PTKLF foundational language sub-domains:
- Reading and writing
- Listening and speaking
- Foundational literacy skills
Teacher materials
Amplify CKLA California TK empowers teachers to deliver effective instruction and keeps students engaged with with the following resources:
- Teacher Guides
- Flip Books
- Image Cards
- Center Cards
- Activity Pages and Take-Home Pages
- Nursery Rhymes and Songs Posters
- Big Book: Classic Tales
- Trade Books
Instructional domains
Amplify CKLA California TK domains of instruction are carefully chosen and sequenced to build prerequisite knowledge. The seven domains in the program are:
- Important People in American History
- All About Me
- Families and Communities
- Classic Tales
- Plants
- Animals
- Habitats
Flexible pacing
The flexible pacing recommendations of the program provide teachers with options to decide how best to keep students engaged while completing Amplify CKLA California Transitional Kindergarten instruction (e.g., wiggle breaks, hands-on participation, singing songs, brain breaks, etc.).
Scope and sequence
Below you can view the scope and sequence for each grade level.
- Amplify CKLA TK
- Amplify CKLA California GK Knowledge Strand
- Amplify CKLA California GK Skills Strand
- Amplify CKLA California G1 Knowledge Strand
- Amplify CKLA California G1 Skills Strand
- Amplify CKLA California G2 Knowledge Strand
- Amplify CKLA California G2 Skills Strand
- Amplify CKLA California G3 Integrated Strand
- Amplify CKLA California G4 Integrated Strand
- Amplify CKLA California G5 Integrated Strand
How does Amplify CKLA California integrate with the other parts of the literacy system?
mCLASS + Amplify’s core curriculum
mCLASS DIBELS 8th Edition data informs instructional needs and identifies whole-class and small-group areas of focus across the elementary and middle grades.
- mCLASS assesses the same critical skills taught in K–8, ensuring a consistent approach to literacy development.
- The CKLA Connect feature points teachers to specific lessons for remediation and practice opportunities, so all students have a chance to master the material.
Amplify CKLA California + Boost Reading
Boost Reading is a student-led K–5 digital intervention, built on the Science of Reading, that delivers systematic instruction. Students receive targeted, adaptive practice that meets them where they are, while teachers get simple and meaningful insights into student progress without extra work. Fully aligned to Amplify CKLA and mCLASS®, Boost Reading brings powerful support to every tier of instruction.
Amplify Caminos California
Pave the path to biliteracy with Amplify Caminos California—a K–6 Spanish language arts program grounded in the Science of Reading. It builds deep content knowledge and foundational skills through daily opportunities to read, write, and speak in Spanish.
Amplify Caminos California pairs seamlessly with Amplify Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) California in Grades K–5 and with Amplify ELA California in Grade 6, delivering a comprehensive, research-based dual language solution for Grades K–6.
Pair with powerful companion programs
Amplify California’s literacy suite strengthens instruction for every learner and every tier of support.
