Agenda Item
b. Exceptional Education Instructional Resources (Not to Exceed $1,100,000)
Summary: Presented by: Mrs. Kiana King, Interim Chief of Student Services, Division of Student Services
Request: It is requested that the DeKalb County Board of Education approve Goalbook, Everway/News2You, and Stages Learning. These vendors have been identified to provide supplemental instructional resources for teachers and students supported through the Division of Student Services, for more than $100,000 per vendor but not to exceed a total contracted amount of $­­1,100,000.
Division of Student Services Instructional Resources
Dept. of Exceptional Education
Goalbook
Everway/News2You
Stages Learning
Why: According to Board Policy IFA-Instructional Materials and Content, the District must provide access to instructional resources including, but not limited to, textbooks and supplemental materials.
The DeKalb County School District (DCSD) is seeking to purchase supplemental instructional resources, to advance the mission, vision, and values by (a) improving access to meaningful content, (b) increasing awareness of sound instructional practices, (c) providing technological assets that promote creativity, connections, and innovation, and (d) engaging students in rigorous activities/assessments.
Details: Three (3) vendors have been carefully vetted and identified to ensure the selected instructional resources provide the equity and access to support the full and rigorous implementation of the DCSD curriculum at all grade levels among the school district’s diverse student population. The three (3) selected vendors are: Goalbook, Everway/News2You, and Stages Learning.
Financial impact: The total contract amount will not exceed $1,100,000.
Charge codes:
Exceptional Education
Goalbook
100.2100.553200.00011.7340.2021.8010.094.0000 or 404.2100.553200.05021.7340.2824.8010.094.2027
Everway/News2You
100.1000.553200.00011.7340.2021.8010.094.0000
Stages Learning
100.1000.553200.00011.7340.2021.8010.094.0000
Contact: Mrs. Kiana King, Interim Chief of Student Services, Division of Student Services, 678.676.1809
Dr. Erin Broyard-Baptiste, Interim Executive Director, Exceptional Education, Division of Student Services,678.676.1814
Effective: July 2026 - July 2027
Status: Approved by the Office of Legal Affairs
DATE RECEIVED: ______________
MATTER ASSIGNED TO: _________
Request for Legal Assistance
DCSD Office of Legal Affairs
ATTORNEY – CLIENT COMMUNICATION
PLEASE SUBMIT COMPLETED REQUEST FORM TO
DCSD OFFICE OF LEGAL AFFAIRS.
*** This request is a confidential communication and should be treated as such ***
DESCRIPTION OF REQUEST
Title of Item/Topic:
Stages Learning Curriculum - Small Group Kindergarten
________________________________________________________________
(e.g., contract review, policy matter, etc.)
5/11/2026
Date of request: ___________
6/1/2026
Due Date: ___________ (Allow 3 to 5 business days)
This curriculum addresses all stanards on an adapted level for students with
Background information/Detail: __________________________________________________________
cognitive impairments to access state standards but on a level in which they can acquire and demonstrate thei
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PROCUREMENT DETAILS (if applicable)
Include details confirming that all applicable DCSD procurement policies and requirements have been
Discussed with vendor, piloted in several classrooms, obtained updated quotes, and will
adhered to: ____________________________________________________________________________
follow PO procedures once the approval is given for the purchase.
______________________________________________________________________________________
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION
Please attach/include any additional supporting documentation that are relevant to your request.
Description of supporting documentation, if any ____________________________________________
REQUIRED AUTHORIZATION
Dr. Erin Broyard-Baptiste
Requested by: _____________________________________________________________________
erin_broyard-baptiste@dekalbschoolsga.org
Email: __________________________
678-676-1863
Telephone: ____________________________________
Exceptional Education - Preschoo
Department: _______________________________________________________________________
Cabinet Member authorizing the request: _______________________________________________
LEGAL APPROVAL
Approved as to form by the DCSD Office of Legal Affairs? ☐ Yes ☐ No
-OR- (check one only)
Approved as to form by Outside Legal Counsel? ☐ Yes ☐ No
*Referrals to Outside Legal Counsel must be coordinated and approved by the DCSD Legal Dept.
Approving Attorney (and law firm if Outside Counsel ____________________________________
Comments: __________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
Investing in Solutions with ARIS
✅ Expanded Use of Evidence-Based Practices
✅ Strengthened Skills in Students and Staff
✅ Improved Outcomes for Students
✅ Consistently Positive Educator Feedback
✅ Heightened Student Engagement
"The number one goal is this: Is it effective,
and is it working? My answer is yes. The
kids love it, and it's making a difference."
— Dr. Ryan Riley, Special Education Teacher,
Huffman Academy
Meaningful Gains for Educators
2024–2026 Data from School District #105
50
50 50
10 50
100% 2+
50
Educatorsreceiving
Educators receiving Educators
Essential Elements
receiving for Educators
Educators Made
receiving
Gains Educators
Consecutive
receiving
Years of
ongoingTiered
ongoing TieredSupport
Support ongoing
Implementation
Tiered Support ongoing
from Baseline
Tiered Support ongoing Tiered Support
Gains
Meaningful Gains for Students
2025–2026 Data from School District #325
49
49 49
100% 7
49 49
6
Content Categories
Students
StudentsSupported
Supported Students
Students Showed
SupportedGains Students Supported Studentsof Skill
Phases Supported
with Measured Skill
Across
Across55Pre-K
Pre-K Across 5
from Baseline
Pre-K to 2nd Across 5 Pre-K Across
Development
5 Pre-KTracked
Gains
Programs
Programs Programs
Assessment Programs Programs
DeKalb County School District,
Georgia - 15 ARIS Kits
Quote created: November 18, 2025 Reference: 20251118-090132202
DeKalb County School District Jessica Butterworth
1701 Mountain Industrial Boulevard jessica_butterworth@dekalbschoolsga.org
Stone Mountain, Georgia 30083
United States
Comments
Please email POs to orders@stageslearning.com. Please also include a copy of your tax-exempt
certificate, if applicable, with your PO.
Kelly Bratcher - Director of District Partnerships Stages Learning
Products & Services
Item & Description Quantity Unit Total
Price
ARIS Complete Package with Classroom License 15 $9,585.00 $143,775.00
for up to 10 students
Includes all of the physical and digital materials to support a
classroom of up to 10 students. Additional student licenses
can be purchased separately.
One-time subtotal $143,775.00
Volume Discount (previous orders) 17% ARIS KITS $4,976.85 ($69,122.25)
Total $74,652.75
This quote expires on September 15, 2026
Purchase terms
Questions? Contact me
Kelly Bratcher
Director of District Partnerships
kelly.bratcher@stageslearning.com
Stages Learning
PO Box 460
Vista CA 92085
US
ARIS 1 Year Plan
Tier 2 Support
Prepared for
DeKalb County School District
1701 Mountain Industrial Boulevard
Stone Mountain, Georgia 30083
United States
Jessica Butterworth
Special Education Coordinator, EC
jessica_butterworth@dekalbschoolsga.org
Stages Learning
PO Box 460
Vista, CA 92085
US
Kelly Bratcher
Director of District Partnerships
kelly.bratcher@stageslearning.com
1
EXECUTIVE
SUMMARY
Stages' Commitment
Stages Learning removes obstacles that limit learning by providing materials, training, and
services designed to improve educational outcomes. We offer evidence-based intervention
curricula tailored to students' needs, professional development to enhance educators' skills
and confidence and the personnel and resources to walk alongside your team in
transforming your special education or early childhood department.
Our products include assessment tools to design a personalize learning path for each
learner, detailed lesson plans, physical flashcards and manipulatives, and a data keeping
system, paired with digital resources all grounded in robust, research-based practices. These
resources are easy to implement and drive significant, consistent progress in student
achievement. Developed with a deep understanding of education and proven methodologies,
our materials are engaging for students and based on effective teaching methods.
Stages Learning’s programming doesn’t stop with merely providing materials. Instead, we
partner with districts to provide professional learning support which creates the most
effective and impactful learning experiences for special education teams. Our solution
provides the highest standards of educational effectiveness, backed by years of research
and collaboration with districts to identify best practices for successful implementation.
This proposal incorporates our extensive knowledge to ensure districts receive a
comprehensive implementation suite that supports educators and students every step of the
way. Our three-year plan guarantees long-term support, ensuring meaningful student
outcomes and sustained program fidelity.
Plan Overview
This proposal outlines a three year partnership between Stages Learning and DeKalb County
School District. The partnership centers around the effective implementation and use of the
Language Builder: Academic Readiness Intervention System (ARIS), a comprehensive
educational ecosystem that combines:
ARIS physical materials and hands-on
teaching tools
ARIS Online Platform Subscription
Stages Learning professional development
and training program
This integrated system ensures continuity and
consistency in educational delivery. With ongoing
support and training, educators are better
equipped to utilize the full suite of ARIS
resources to meet individual learning needs and
track progress over time, significantly
contributing to the successful implementation
and sustained impact of the curriculum.
This approach protects DeKalb County School District's investment, by ensuring maximum
adoption, underscoring our commitment to not just equip educators with resources but also
to empower them with the knowledge and skills necessary to optimize student outcomes.
2
IMPLEMENTATION
OVERVIEW
Physical and Digital Tools and Learning
Materials
The 1 year implementation plan gives you unlimited access to the complete ARIS Platform.
The ARIS Platform is the core of the ARIS ecosystem, providing a centralized system for
instruction, assessment, collaboration, and professional development. The platform drives
student learning pathways, ensuring that teachers can assess students, assign lessons, and
track progress in a structured, data-driven way. ARIS also includes a comprehensive set of
physical materials ready for immediate classroom use. Hands-on materials serve as
essential tools within this system, supporting educators as they implement instruction. This
array of thoughtfully designed, tactile learning aids such as flashcards, manipulatives, and
activity sheets that correspond directly with each lesson eliminates the time and
inconsistency of each educator creating, sourcing and assembling materials, allowing
educators to focus on teaching.
With the ARIS Platform and supporting materials, teachers and paraprofessionals have a
shared view of and ability to implement personalized student learning plans, IEP goals, and
data tracking lesson progress, ensuring clear communication and collaboration. Real-time
reporting provides insights into student performance, while integrated communication tools
connect educators with the STAGES professional development and customer success
teams. Teachers can easily access training, schedule visits, and stay informed about
professional learning opportunities within the platform.
The advantage of ARIS's combination of physical and digital resources is clear: it offers
convenience, consistency, and quality assurance. Each item is curated to align perfectly with
curriculum objectives, providing a seamless and comprehensive system that other programs,
relying on externally sourced materials, simply can't provide.
The 1 year implementation plan includes:
1 year(s) of ARIS Online access for the rostering of up to 250 students, with access for
every teacher and paraprofessional in all ARIS Classrooms, plus all administrators and
program support staff
0 complete ARIS Curriculum Kits
Dedicated Customer Success Partnership
Partnering with Stages Learning means your key stakeholders – ARIS educators and paras –
have dedicated support, whenever and wherever they need it. Each District will be paired with
a Customer Success Manager, who will offer the following services:
Partnership kick off call to discuss initial goals for implementation, discuss
implementation timeline milestones, and dates, etc.
Beginning, middle and end of year progress reviews with key stakeholders to review data,
measure progress, discuss needs and challenges and plan for the following trimester
Unlimited email support for teachers, paras, and admins
Professional Learning Services
Perhaps most importantly, your Tier 2 Implementation Plan also includes a robust 1-year
professional coaching program. Professional development and coaching is an integral
element of a successful ARIS implementation, designed to safeguard the district's
investment. This extended support ensures that educators deeply embed the curriculum into
their teaching practices, thereby maximizing its impact. The consistent guidance from expert
coaches through the embedded coaching program not only helps teachers and
paraprofessionals stay current with best practices but also plays a pivotal role in assisting
the district comply with legal requirements.
This sustained coaching relationship fosters a strong foundation for educational success,
which can lead to enhanced student progress and ultimately greater satisfaction among
families. By supporting teachers and reinforcing adherence to thoughtful IEPs and
compliance standards, we aim to help reduce the potential for disputes that could lead to
costly litigation or outplacements.
The 1-year professional development and coaching program includes:
Annual customized full day in person professional development sessions for up to 30
participants - 1 sessions total
Year 1: ARIS Implementation Deep Dive Workshop
Year 2 and beyond: Choose from a menu of options
Choice of an additional virtual PD session from a menu of options
Quarterly virtual coaching appointments for teaching teams to support the integration of
foundational classroom practices and ARIS® into the classroom for all ARIS classrooms
Access to scheduled webinars, offered throughout the year, to extend learning for existing
ARIS educators or onboard new educators in ARIS classrooms. Scheduled webinars
include:
ARIS 101
Topical webinars
Access to open office hours with an ARIS expert for any adult on your ARIS teams
3
THE CUSTOMER
EXPERIENCE
Data Driven Student Gains
Data has demonstrated that the ARIS curriculum has significantly improved student learning
outcomes across various essential content categories. Educators report notable
advancements in students' communicative functions including the ability to request comfort,
greet others, request objects, and request actions. Moreover, the ARIS system has facilitated
measurable growth in social interaction, language development, and functional
communication. Students are not only acquiring new skills but also applying them in
meaningful ways. These advancements are evidenced by increased student participation,
higher engagement levels, and enhanced peer interactions.
Equally as important, educators who have implemented ARIS report feeling more confident in
their abilities, having higher job satisfaction and enjoying a classroom dynamic where the
entire team – from paras to resource specialists – has a structure enabling them all to make
a meaningful impact on student success. These improvements underscore the effectiveness
of implementing research-based practices and structured support within the classroom.
The success of the ARIS curriculum is a testament to its robust design, which integrates
evidence-based strategies and provides consistent, structured support. By focusing on
individualized learning needs and fostering an inclusive learning environment, ARIS
empowers students to achieve their full potential. The positive feedback from educators and
the significant gains observed in student outcomes highlight the transformative impact of
the ARIS system in special education settings.
Customer Testimonials
“ARIS has led to a massive improvement in [educator’s] classroom. Growth from all of our
students. Growth from our educators. Growth from our aides. As an administrator it is really
amazing to see the whole package moving in the direction we want to see it move.”
Amanda Abernathy, Director of Special Education
Warren Consolidated Schools
"ARIS is a game changer. It provides everything teachers need—materials, scripting, and
structured lessons—so they can focus on teaching, not scrambling to find resources. What’s
incredible is how ARIS sets up both the student and the teacher for success. We’re seeing
growth, engagement, and a confidence boost across the board."
Stacy Barker, Director of Curriculum & Instruction
Sidney City Schools
"We have found the embedded coaching model has really helped our staff grow. ARIS is the
epitome of efficiency and immediately useable by anyone, but the supportive framework
helps ensure fidelity."
Dr. Charla DeLeo, Special Education Coordinator
Saint Clair County Schools
4
PROJECT
QUOTE
Issued
November 14, 2025
Expires
August 28, 2026
Prepared for
Jessica Butterworth
Special Education Coordinator, EC
jessica_butterworth@dekalbschoolsga.org
Please submit purchase orders to orders@stageslearning.com. Please also include a copy
of your tax-exempt certificate, if applicable, with your PO.
Please send purchase orders to orders@stageslearning.com
Products & Services Quantity
Tier 2 - One Year Implementation Plan 25
Annual subtotal $78,600.00
Total $78,600.00
5
TERMS AND
CONDITIONS
Proposal Pricing
1. Pricing is based on a 1-year term. The cost of the physical materials, implementation
support, and your subscription to ARIS Online is amortized over the 1-year term. The
District understands and agrees that, absent extraordinary circumstances this contract
cannot be terminated prior to the payment in full for all 1 year(s) of the contract term.
If termination is necessary, because travel and staffing are purchased in advance, any
termination requires six (6) months advance notice.
2. Per student pricing for ARIS Online is based on reported estimates provided by the
district. If student counts increase by more than ten percent during the school year,
Stages has the right to bill for the additional student accounts. If student counts
decrease during the school year no refunds will be given. Student counts for future
year billing will be based on the previous year student counts and estimated updated
enrollment information provided by the District.
3. Because all of the physical materials are delivered at the start of the first year of the
contract, if, for any reason, District cancels the contract prior to paying for all
contracted years, District agrees to pay the balance due on all of the materials
delivered during year one. If District needs a calculation of what that amount would be,
please contact your sales representative for details.
4. For Tier 3 implementations, the quoted pricing assumes that in-person professional
development will be scheduled to occur on concurrent days with in-person coaching
visits. If multiple visits have to be scheduled because the professional development
and coaching cannot happen on the same visit, additional fees may apply.
Services Provided by Stages
1. As detailed in the attached proposal, Stages agrees to provide up to a set number of
hours/sessions of professional development and implementation support per year.
Stages agrees to use reasonable efforts to make trainers available on dates and times
convenient for District but both parties acknowledge and agree that there will be
certain dates and times during the year that Stages is unable to accommodate all
requests for implementation support.
2. If District is unable to utilize all of the hours proposed in any given year, such hours
cannot be banked or rolled over until a subsequent year. All professional development
and service hours are contracted annually on a “use it or lose it” basis.
3. The District is responsible for enforcing attendance at scheduled professional
development and coaching appointments. Stages is not able to compel attendance
nor can it compel educators to complete any work our trainers suggest to support
fidelity of implementation.
4. As used in this proposal, “teaching team” means the educators consistently working in
the classroom – up to 5 per ARIS kit. An “ARIS classroom” refers to one room in one
location supported by an ARIS kit. The coaching set forth in the proposal is designed
to support the educators in one classroom per ARIS kit purchased.
5. If the district chooses to elect an internal champion, in order to not interrupt coaching
sessions or distract from the coaching process, the Company strongly suggests that
each embedded coaching session is attended by only one non-teaching team district
employee.
Digital Platform Terms and Conditions
1. Stages' Privacy Policy and the Terms and Conditions pertaining to its ARIS Online
platform are sent separately.
2. Pricing is calculated based on "up to" the number of seats (student accounts) specified
herein whether or not all of the seats are rostered for the entire school year. Stages will
provide up to a ten percent (10%) or 10 seat, whichever is fewer, grace period over the
course of the school year.
3. Customer Success will review the seat count with District quarterly in their regular
meetings. Twice yearly, at approximately the end of the first semester and then
approximately the end of the school year, Stages will bill District for seat overages.
Limitations on Liability
1. The parties agree that Stages is not taking responsibility for making decisions for
District’s educators or administrators including, without limitation, deciding on
programming, staffing, implementation, individualized educational programming for
students, etc. The District understands and agrees that Stages is not guaranteeing any
particular outcome for any student or teacher as a result of the provision of these
services. Stages is not responsible for ensuring that the District is in compliance with
any obligation it may have to any student, parent, teacher, or other employee.
Furthermore, absent an express agreement to the contrary, at no time will Stages
engage in any communications with parents or family members of the students in the
District.
2. The parties acknowledge and agree that school districts have a legal responsibility to
ensure that teachers of students with special needs have the knowledge and skills to
effectively support such students and are trained in evidence-based practices. While
Stages services set forth herein provide professional development and support
grounded in evidence-based practices, Stages does not provide support, services, or
programming directly to students. The parties acknowledge and agree that consistent
with IDEA, the individualized IEP team (of which Stages is not a part) and IEP process
provides the course for making programming decisions for each individual student.
Indemnification
1. The District agrees to indemnify, defend and hold Stages and its respective, officers,
directors, shareholders, employees, agents, representatives, successors and assigns
harmless from and against any and all third-party claims, liabilities, damages, losses or
expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs) arising out of, based on, or
in connection with your use of Stages’ products or services. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, District’s indemnification obligations are limited to the extent such claims
are the result of Stages’ breach of contact, gross negligence or willful misconduct.
Notices
1. All notices must be in writing and addressed to the attention of the other party’s legal
department and primary point of contact (for Stages: PO Box 460, Vista, CA 92085;
accounting@stageslearning.com). All notices must be sent via a method that provides
verification of receipt.
By signing below or by submitting a valid school purchase order for the products and
services listed herein, you are acknowledging that you have read, understood, and agree in
full with the preceding.
On behalf of the District, I understand the scope of Stages’ consultation that I am to receive
and agree with this model of service and the above terms and specifications.
Print