A Core Knowledge Education

The idea behind Core Knowledge is simple and powerful: knowledge builds on knowledge. The more you know, the more you are able to learn. This insight, well-established by cognitive science, has profound implications for teaching and learning. Nearly all of our most important goals for education–greater reading comprehension, the ability to think critically and solve problems, even higher test scores–are a function of the depth and breadth of our knowledge.
                                                        ~ Core Knowledge Foundation

Dedicated to excellence and fairness in early education, the Core Knowledge Foundation is an independent, non-profit, non-partisan organization founded in 1986 by E. D. Hirsch, Jr., professor emeritus at the University of Virginia and author of many acclaimed books including Cultural Literacy: What Every American Needs to Know and The Schools We Need and Why We Don’t Have Them. The Foundation conducts research on curricula, develops books and other materials for parents and teachers, offers workshops for teachers, and serves as the hub of a growing network of Core Knowledge schools.

What is Core Knowledge?
An Idea . . . that for the sake of academic excellence, greater fairness, and higher literacy, elementary and middle schools need a solid, specific, shared core curriculum in order to help children establish strong foundations of knowledge, grade by grade.

A Guide to Specific, Shared Content . . . a grade-by-grade guide to important knowledge and supported in the Core Knowledge Resources including the What Your Kindergartner – Sixth Grader Needs To Know book series.

A School Reform Movement . . .  taking shape in hundreds of schools where educators have committed themselves to teaching important skills and the Core Knowledge content they share within grade levels, across districts, and with other Core Knowledge schools across the country.

What are the Benefits of Core Knowledge?

For Students
Provides a broad base of knowledge and a rich vocabulary

Motivates students to learn and creates a strong desire to learn more

Provides the knowledge necessary for higher levels of learning and helps build confidence

For the School
Provides an academic focus and encourages consistency in instruction

Provides a plan for coherent, sequenced learning from grade to grade

Promotes a community of learners — adults and children

Becomes a tool for lesson planning & communication among teachers and with parents

Guides thoughtful purchases of school resources

For the School District
Provides a common focus to share knowledge and expertise

Decreases learning gaps caused by mobility

Encourages cooperation among schools to provide quality learning experiences for all students

Provides a strong foundation of knowledge for success in high school and beyond

For Parents and the Community
Provides a clear outline of what children are expected to learn in school

Encourages parents to participate in their children’s education both at home and in school

Provides opportunities for community members to augment instructional resources
 

Core Knowledge Pre-School and K-8 Curriculums
To find out more about the components of the Core Knowledge Preschool and K-8 curriculums, please click on the links below:

Core Knowledge Preschool Sequence
Core Knowledge Preschool Frequently Asked Questions

Core Knowledge K-8 Sequence
Core Knowledge K-8 Frequently Asked Questions