Core Knowledge Language Arts in Action

Teachers Respond Enthusiastically

"Last year I visited the Museum of Natural History with my first grade students, and as we were walking through the ancient Egyptian exhibit in the museum, the students were amazed that they were getting to see things in person that they were learning about all month. Not only were the students amazed, but other museum goers and tourists were amazed at the rich vocabulary that was coming out of these little six year olds' mouths. The students were able to recognize everything from the Sphinx to the sarcophagus, it was truly rewarding as a teacher to see this happening as a result of teaching this rigorous curriculum."

– Jena Peluso, Goldie Maple Academy, New York City, New York

Read more teachers' responses to CKLA.

A Glimpse into CKLA Classrooms

"More Than Words: An Early Grades Reading Programs Builds Skills and Knowledge," by Jennifer Dubin, American Educator, Fall 2012.

Envisioning a Common Core Curriculum, American Educator, Winter 2012.

In addition to the recent articles featuring the Core Knowledge Language Arts program, the following videos offer a closer look at each strand through teachers who successfully implemented CKLA during the pilot.

• Skills Strand: Decoding and Encoding
  
• Listening and Learning: Read-aloud and Extension Activities

What Pilot Students, Principals, and Teachers Have to Say

Olivia, a student who participated in the pilot program in New York City, shares the exciting experience of learning with CKLA in this video.

Principal Joyce Barrett-Walker, P.S. 96

In this video, PBS's John Merrow looks at how Common Core State Standards will change reading instruction in U.S. schools. P.S. 96 in Queens, NY is among the schools profiled. Says Principal Joyce Barrett-Walker, "When I look at the expectations with Common Core learning standards, we're where we need to be right now!"

Kindergarten Teachers, Three Oaks Elementary School

Five kindergarten teachers discuss their experience piloting CKLA at Three Oaks Elementary School.

Kindergarten Teacher, Oklahoma City Public Schools