FAQ: Core Knowledge Language Arts

Overview

• Is CKLA a comprehensive language arts program?
• Is CKLA really free?
• What grades does CKLA cover and how is it structured?
• What is the underlying philosophy of the CKLA program?
• Is CKLA a scripted program?
• Is CKLA a research-based program?

Rationale and Program Design

• How does the program support children's reading and writing success across preschool–3 in a systematic way?
• Why does the program include two strands? How do the two strands work together?
• What is the rationale underlying the Skills strand of materials?
• What is the rationale underlying the Listening & Learning strand of materials?
• Is the content of the readers in the two strands aligned?
• How are small groups incorporated into the Skills strand?
• What if my state standards dictate that the domain content be taught at a different grade level than where it appears in CKLA?
• Are there assessments that go with the program?
• What if my district mandates another language arts program?
• How is writing taught in CKLA?

Alignment to Common Core State Standards (CCSS)

• Is the program aligned to the CCSS?
• How does the program support instructional shifts that are critical to CCSS alignment?
• Does CKLA support "close reading"?

Materials

• What are the components of the CKLA program?
• Do children read authentic texts?
• Are there any trade books required?
• What is the Skills Assessment and Remediation Guide?
• Are there spelling lists?
• Why do the readers break up words in the text like this [dinn.er]? Can you explain the research and thinking for children seeing text this way?
• How do the stories and materials represent multiple cultures?

Materials for Diverse Learners

• Is CKLA available in Spanish?
• How does the program support students who are learning English?
• How do you differentiate instruction in the Skills strand for students who are reading on different levels?

Implementation

• How do I use CKLA Listening & Learning kits in conjunction with the Pearson Core Knowledge History & Geography kits?
• How long does it take to implement CKLA?
• If we use a Smartboard while teaching the Listening & Learning strand, can we display the text so teachers can read off the projected image, rather than the anthology?
• Beyond the core CKLA materials, how can we enhance implementation?
• Can CKLA be used in conjunction with other language arts programs?
• What should we do with our leveled reading libraries after we adopt CKLA?