Core Knowledge

What is Core Knowledge?An educational reform movement that…

•Is a powerful idea•Understands that background knowledge is essential to understanding•Promotes cultural literacy

•Research-based•4 C’s of Core Knowledge

•Content specific•Coherent•Cumulative•Context rich with cross curricular connections

•Provides educational excellence and equity for all students•Narrows the equity gap

•Gap between American students•Narrows the excellence gap

•Gap between American students and students of other nations

Explorers

War of 1812The Vikings

InsectsMiddle

Ages

AncientGreece NativeAmericans

Simple Machines

American HistoryRomanEmpire

The Core Knowledge ApproachDomain Based unitsEfficiency Factor

Repeated exposure to vocabularyVocabulary taught through contextOpportunity to cover both content and skills

Using read alouds to teach ELA that are related to content

Helping students become fluent readers

Why Teach Content Knowledge?

Hirsch and CCSSCore Knowledge Common CoreAcademic excellence for all

studentsContent specific

Coherent – sequence is intentionally designed

Cumulative with a spiraling curriculum

Consistent from class to classBuilds meaningful

connections

Use of vocabulary rich nonfiction read alouds

All students receive a high quality education

Clear understanding of what students are expected to learn

Clearly defined expectations for each grade level

Each year builds upon the next

Consistent expectationsEncourages connections

across disciplinesBuilds knowledge through

content rich nonfiction

TimelineCurriculum Map due Friday AM2 Domain Maps completed during the work

sessions today and Friday K – 2 grade work on Maps from domains that

are not covered in Listening and LearningComplete 1 Map per month until all domains

are coveredMove into creating measureable objectives

and meaningful activities

Fidelity of ImplementationCurriculum and Domain Maps

Guide Instruction and Content Intentionally sequenced Cross-curricular connections in place

Orient new staff members Instruction consistently reflects the content of the Map

Read Alouds Impart content knowledgeModel formal, rich languageModel and improve fluencyProvide context for vocabulary acquisition

Reading StrategiesBackground knowledge is critical to comprehensionTwenty-five isolated lessons have same impact as sixTeach what good readers know rather than what good

readers do

What Now???????Complete Domain MapsCement concepts with cross-curricular

connectionsIncrease vocabulary exposure

Post wordsMultiple exposuresAllow students time to practiceCross-curricular connections

Make Core Knowledge visibleDisplays that show off the domainShowcase meaningful activities

Core Knowledge Teachers should …

• have mastery of subject matter•have high expectations•use assessment to inform instruction•use scaffolding and feedback to meet needs of individuals•afford students the opportunity for practice•afford students the opportunity to apply their knowledge