Title: Information Item
Date: October 3, 2025
To: Grade 6 Administrators
From: Dr. Candace Penrod, District Science Supervisor
Subject: Amplify Science 6 Support & Implementation
Summary:
Amplify Science materials to support the Grade 6 Utah Science with Engineering Education (SEEd) Standards have been shipped to all schools. We are excited to begin our supported launch and implementation. To support all 6th grade teachers, whether at an elementary or a middle school, we offer the follow guidance:
- The District Science Pacing Guide for Sixth Grade science will support a systemic implementation of the new Amplify Science materials to support the SEEd Standards.
- A District Science Coach can visit your site and assist your teachers in getting started with the on-line and physical materials. Contact Candace Penrod if you and your teachers would benefit from a site visit.
- We will be offering Sixth Grade Amplify Science Zoom Support meetings on Friday October 3 from 2:30-3:00 PM and Tuesday October 21 from 3:00-3:30 PM.
- Training sessions for each upcoming Strand will be offered so that teachers can meet with an Amplify trainer and prepare for upcoming units. We are working out the specific dates, but do have a general timeframe for each training:
- Strand 6.2/Thermal Energy Unit-November TBD
- Strand 6.3/Ocean, Atmosphere, and Climate Unit-January TBD
- Strand 6.4/Populations and Ecosystems Unit-March TBD
Note: These sessions will be offered during the school day. We are grateful for your support, as we know the first year of any implementation is critical to the success of the implementation.
Rationale:
It is VERY IMPORTANT that your sixth-grade teachers follow the District Pacing Guide, as we will be offering support based on the pacing guide. It is the expectation moving forward that with the adoption and use of district materials, classroom instruction will be aligned by Strand (topic/unit) across the district according to the District Science Pacing Guide. We seek to build a more cohesive system of science education to support all learners and District Priorities and curricular goals. Thus, we are requiring teachers to teach from the Strand indicated on the pacing guide for the articulated timeframe and do realize that this may be an adjustment for some teachers.
Expectations for Implementation:
- Communication
- Sixth Grade teachers have also received this information in an email. Principals are responsible for ensuring that sixth grade teachers are aware of the support offered and the importance of adhering to the District Science Pacing Guide for 6th grade science.
- Collaboration:
- Dr. Candace Penrod, candace.penrod@slcschools.org
- Evaluation
- Number of students using Amplify Materials; RISE scores; PLC data
Keywords: science, sixth grade, pacing guide, Amplify Science, SEEd standards
