Core Knowledge Language Arts Program

The connection between language, background knowledge, and comprehension has been at the heart of Core Knowledge from its inception. The new Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) program—based on cognitive science and built with input from master teachers and subject matter experts—is a complete, coherent package with everything teachers need to ensure that all children learn to read and write well. The path to college begins in early childhood: CKLA ensures students are on that path.

Ultimately, CKLA will span preschool–grade 5. In time for the 2013–14 school year, preschool–grade 3 will be available. The Core Knowledge Foundation could rush development of grades 4 and 5 just to have the full Common Core-aligned program available right away. But we value quality over speed; that’s why we took six years to develop, pilot test, and refine the preschool–grade 3 materials debuting this summer.

CKLA Recommended for Adoption

Speaking of a debut, we have big news! CKLA for grades K–2 has been recommended for adoption by both the New York State and the New York City Departments of Education. According to the press release issued by New York City Schools Chancellor Dennis M. Walcott, NYC used the “Publishers’ Criteria” developed by the authors of the Common Core State Standards to conduct “an intensive research process to find the highest-quality Common Core-aligned curriculum materials for elementary and middle schools in both English and math. Teacher-leaders from across NYC worked with national experts, districts across the country and network and central staff to evaluate a wide array of curriculum resources.”

The Core Knowledge Foundation is pleased that our Core Knowledge Language Arts program rose to the top during this rigorous review of dozens of curricula.

CKLA Goes Nationwide

With the successful pilot and these New York teacher-driven endorsements, CKLA for preschool–3 is ready for nationwide distribution. For that, the Core Knowledge Foundation has signed an exclusive licensing agreement with Amplify Education, Inc., a leader in teacher-friendly, rigorous, digital educational resources.

Amplify will offer a print version of CKLA and related professional development and support beginning in the 2013-2014 school year.