Lake Oconee Academy

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

Have more questions? Please see the Core Knowledge Frequently Asked Questions page for more details!

At a Glance: The Core Knowledge K-8 Sequence.