"Core Knowledge is an approach to curriculum based on the work of E. D. Hirsch, Jr. and described in his books Cultural Literacy and The Schools We Need and Why We Don't Have Them . The focus of the Core Knowledge approach is on teaching a common core of concepts, skills, and knowledge that characterize a "culturally literate" and educated individual. The purpose of the Core Knowledge approach is to increase academic performance as demonstrated on national and state norm- and criterion-referenced tests, to help narrow the gap between academic "haves" and "have nots," and to build consensus among teachers, parents, and administrators.
Core Knowledge is based on the principle that the grasp of a specific and shared body of knowledge will help students establish strong foundations for higher levels of learning. Developed through research examining successful national and local core curricula and through consultation with education experts in each subject area, the Core Knowledge sequence provides a consensus-based model of specific content guidelines for students in the elementary grades. It offers a progression of detailed grade-by-grade topics of knowledge in history, geography, mathematics, science, language arts, and fine arts, so that students build on knowledge from year to year in grades K-8. Instructional strategies are left to the discretion of teachers.
The Core Knowledge sequence typically comprises 50% of a school's curriculum; the other 50% allows schools to meet state and local requirements and teachers to contribute personal strengths. Teachers are also expected to provide effective instruction in reading and mathematics. The Core Knowledge curriculum is detailed in the Core Knowledge Sequence Content Guidelines for Preschool through Grade Eight and illustrated in a series of books entitled What Your (First-, Second- etc.) Grader Needs to Know.
Parental involvement and consensus building contribute to the success of the Core Knowledge Sequence. Parents and community members are invited to be involved in obtaining resources, planning activities, and developing a schoolwide plan. The schoolwide plan integrates the Core Knowledge content with district and state requirements and assessment instruments. Additionally, parents and teachers are encouraged to cooperate in planning learning goals and lesson plans." NWREL
Core Knowledge Links
Northwest Educational Regional Lab.
Mrs. Young's Site
The Core Knowledge Site
Misc. Core Information
National Center for Policy Analysis Information
Texas Core Knowledge Center
Speech by Bill Hubert - Teacher
Core Knowledge Fact Sheet
Lesson plans
Links for New Standards
America's Choice Schools (was New Standards)
New Standards - Performance Standards and Assessments
New Standards Newsletter
Northwest Regional Lab Synopsis
