Getting Started with the Core Knowledge Sequence

Audience

K–8 teachers, administrators

Length

3 days (6 hours/day)

Prerequisites

Schools booking this workshop will have:

• participated in the Overview of Core Knowledge webinar;
• acquired Core Knowledge curriculum materials for all applicable teachers; and
• scheduled an administrator and Core Knowledge coordinator to attend this workshop.

Materials

The following materials will be required during this workshop:

• The Core Knowledge Sequence (2010 version, also available for download);
• Teacher Handbooks (available K–5);
• What Your—Grader Needs to Know (available K–6);
• Math and special area teacher resources used to make connections (e.g., art print list, music CD selections, P.E. and math curricular resources); and
• Laptops or computer stations (one per grade level).

Objectives

Day One: The Big Picture

By the end of day one, participants will be able to:

• explain the big picture of Core Knowledge planning tools and the progressions from Curriculum Plan to Domain Map to unit to lesson;
• explain the key features of the materials and how to use them for planning and preparation; and
• explain the "4-C" characteristics of the Core Knowledge curriculum and why they are important for student learning.

Day Two: The Curriculum Plan

By the end of day two, participants will be able to:

• describe the components of the Curriculum Plan;
• determine the grade-level domains taught and justify the coherence of their sequence;
• develop a first draft of the Curriculum Plan; and
• determine necessary next steps, including responsible parties and when the Curriculum Plan will be modified or updated.

Day Three: The Grade-Level Domain Map

By the end of day three, participants will be able to:

• describe the components of a Domain Map and how this planning tool promotes domain immersion;
• collaboratively develop 2–3 Domain Maps for the specific subject areas they teach;
• develop school-wide strategies that assist with implementation challenges; and
• articulate the expectations for the first follow-up visit.

Summary

Participants will engage in processes that model active instruction they can use in the classroom. Tools, resources, scavenger hunts, and individual and team work will be employed. Participants will take a pre- and post- test to assess their understanding. Products created will be used for practical planning purposes at the school.

Registration:

This workshop is best scheduled in spring or early summer to allow adequate curriculum planning time for teams that are beginning to implement the Core Knowledge Sequence, or portions thereof, the following year.

For additional details, please contact the Professional Development Coordinator via email, professionaldevelopment@coreknowledge.org, or by calling (434) 220-3352.