CKLA: A Pioneer of the Science of Reading

For decades, the Science of Reading has shown how children learn to read. The research is clear: reading is not a natural process. It must be explicitly taught with systematic instruction in phonics, phonemic awareness, vocabulary, fluency, morphology, and comprehension.

Long before the term became a national movement, Core Knowledge Language Arts® (CKLA) was built on this science.

Built on Research from the Start

• Development began in 2010
• Multiple pilot phases with schools nationwide
• Full first edition released in 2014

CKLA was one of the first comprehensive curricula explicitly created from the findings of the Science of Reading—making it a true leader in the movement.

What Sets CKLA Apart

1. Systematic Phonics

The Skills Strand provides daily, sequenced phonics lessons starting in Kindergarten. Students learn to decode step by step, aligned with decades of research.

2. Morphology Matters

Older students dive into roots, prefixes, and suffixes to unlock vocabulary and confidently tackle complex texts.

3. Building Knowledge for Comprehension

Starting in Kindergarten, the Knowledge Strand immerses students in history, science, literature, and the arts. Research shows that this background knowledge is critical for comprehension.

4. Oral Language and Writing

From early read-aloud discussions to daily writing tied to content, CKLA reinforces the connection between speaking, reading, and writing.

The Simple View of Reading in Action

Reading requires both:

• Word Recognition → phonics, decoding, spelling, fluency
• Language Comprehension → vocabulary, knowledge, oral understanding

CKLA is unique in systematically addressing both sides of this equation.

Why It Matters

As schools across the country embrace the Science of Reading, CKLA stands out as a program leading the way for more than a decade.

• Research-based
• Classroom-proven
• Comprehensive and coherent

CKLA doesn’t just align with the Science of Reading—it embodies it.

CKLA was one of the first Science of Reading curricula. Today, it remains one of the strongest.

It equips teachers.
It empowers students.
It delivers results.

In the ongoing discussions about what children should be learning in school, it is crucial to consider whether the curriculum resonates with the diverse world our students live in. This is where the Core Knowledge curriculum demonstrates its strength, often more comprehensively than many realize.

The Core Knowledge approach, pioneered by E.D. Hirsch Jr., is founded on the belief that a shared body of knowledge supports students in becoming proficient readers, critical thinkers, and informed citizens. It encompasses a meticulously organized array of subjects, including literature, history, science, and the arts, starting in kindergarten and extending through 8^th grade.

While some may associate Core Knowledge predominantly with classic Western content, a closer examination reveals an intentional commitment to inclusivity, global perspective, and representation of a wide range of cultures and histories.

A Global Perspective from the Start

From the outset, Core Knowledge introduces children to stories and traditions from diverse regions around the world. In the early elementary grades, students are exposed to folktales from China, Africa, South America, and Native American communities. These narratives are presented as equally valuable components of the world’s literary heritage and help students see themselves and the broader world reflected in their learning experiences.

In history, students explore ancient civilizations extending well beyond Europe, encompassing Ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, India, China, and the empires of West Africa. As early as 1^st grade, students delve into early American cultures like the Maya Inca, and Aztec. Subsequent grades cover global empires such as the Kingdoms of Africa, feudal Japan, the Dynasties of China, and early Islamic Empires. These lessons emphasize the complexity and achievements of non-Western societies, underlining the shared human narrative.

Inclusive Voices in Literature and Speeches

Throughout the curriculum, students engage with the works of authors and poets from a wide range of backgrounds. In addition to classic Western authors, students examine the works of Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou, and a host of other African writers. They explore the speeches of Ida B. Wells, Zitkala-Sa, and Mabel Ping-Hua Lee. This body of work encourages students to engage with diverse perspectives, fostering empathy, curiosity, and critical thinking skills.

Science and the Arts for Everyone

In Core Knowledge’s approach to science, there is an emphasis on foundational knowledge alongside vibrant depictions of the contributions of scientists from around the globe. Students learn about historical figures such as George Washington Carver, Mae Jemison, Hypatia of Alexandria, and Ibn al-Haytham, alongside familiar figures like Newton and Darwin, underscoring the global and human nature of scientific discovery.

The curriculum also embraces a diverse exploration of musical styles from West Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America, as well as visual art traditions from Japan, the Middle East, and Indigenous North American cultures. This approach ensures that students study artists like Diego Rivera, Augusta Savage, and Romare Bearden, reinforcing that creativity and innovation exist in every corner of the world.

Addressing Hard Histories and Social Movements

Core Knowledge does not shy away from the complex realities of history. Students engage with lessons on slavery in the United States, the Civil Rights Movement, the Holocaust, apartheid in South Africa, and global human rights efforts. These units are taught with sensitivity and depth, introducing students to the voices and experiences of those who lived through and challenged injustice.

Through these lessons, students gain an understanding of not only of what happened in the past but also of how people have challenged systems, altered societies, and shaped our world.

Building Knowledge to Build Equity

Most significantly, Core Knowledge is committed to closing knowledge gaps disproportionately affecting under-resourced students. Offering a content-rich and intentionally sequenced curriculum ensures that all students, regardless of their background, have access to the knowledge that supports reading comprehension, academic achievement, and civic participation.

In addition to being inclusive in what it teaches, Core Knowledge is inclusive in why it teaches it. By exposing students to a diverse foundation of content, from folktales of Ghana to the poetry of Langston Hughes to the scientific advances of ancient Baghdad, it enables all learners to see themselves in their studies while acquiring a deeper understanding of the wider world.

At a time when students require both a strong academic foundation and a sense of global belonging, Core Knowledge fulfills both needs. The Core Knowledge Sequence and its curricula are more than a list of topics; they are thoughtfully designed, inclusive program that empower all students to thrive.

As educators, our mission is to equip students with the tools they need to understand the world and succeed in it. The Core Knowledge approach provides a powerful framework for achieving that goal—building a strong foundation of shared knowledge across subjects, grade levels, and student backgrounds. But implementing Core Knowledge effectively requires more than a sequence or a teacher guide. It demands intentional, ongoing professional learning.

Why Professional Learning Is Critical in a Core Knowledge School

1. Ensuring Fidelity of Implementation

Core Knowledge is built on a carefully sequenced and content-rich curriculum. To bring it to life in the classroom, educators need to deeply understand not just what to teach, but why and how to teach it. Professional learning ensures teachers are aligned with the Core Knowledge Sequence and Core Knowledge curricula and can maintain coherence across grade levels and subject areas. This alignment is key to unlocking the cumulative power of knowledge.

2. Building Content Knowledge and Pedagogical Confidence

One of the strengths of Core Knowledge is its emphasis on rich, domain-specific content, especially in subjects like history, science, literature, and the arts. But many teachers, particularly in early elementary grades, may not have had deep training in all of these areas. Professional learning helps bridge that gap. It builds teacher confidence, sharpens pedagogical techniques, and fosters a deeper personal understanding of the material. This leads to more engaging and effective instruction.

3. Supporting Equity Through Shared Knowledge

Core Knowledge is rooted in the belief that access to broad, foundational knowledge is a matter of equity. When every student, regardless of background, has access to the same rich content, achievement gaps begin to close. However, this vision only becomes a reality when teachers and school leaders have the training to implement the curriculum thoughtfully and inclusively. Professional development supports teaching this broad base of knowledge and helps educators ensure all students are empowered by the curriculum.

4. Strengthening Vertical and Horizontal Coherence

Professional learning brings educators together to collaborate across grade levels and subject teams. This collaboration strengthens both vertical alignment (across grades) and horizontal coherence (within a grade), ensuring that knowledge builds logically and meaningfully over time. In Core Knowledge schools, this is especially important because the Sequence is only as powerful as its consistency.

5. Creating a Culture of Excellence and Growth

When professional learning is embedded in the life of a Core Knowledge school, it signals a shared commitment to continuous improvement. Teachers feel supported and valued. School leaders model instructional leadership. The entire community rallies around a shared vision: every child deserves access to a well-rounded, content-rich education.

What Professional Learning Should Look Like in Core Knowledge Schools

To make a real impact, Core Knowledge professional development should be:

• Content-rich, helping educators deepen their understanding of the topics they teach.
• Curriculum-anchored, directly tied to the Core Knowledge Sequence and classroom materials.
• Practice-based, with modeling, coaching, and reflection opportunities.
• Collaborative, fostering dialogue among educators about what’s working and where support is needed.

Ongoing and embedded, not one-off workshops, but a sustained part of the school culture.

Final Thoughts for Teachers and Leaders

Implementing Core Knowledge is a bold and rewarding endeavor. It challenges us to aim high, to teach with purpose, and to believe that every child is capable of grappling with and mastering rich academic content. But we can’t do it alone. Professional learning is the engine that drives successful Core Knowledge schools.

For teachers, it means entering the classroom every day better equipped to inspire, inform, and elevate student thinking. For leaders, it means creating the structures and supports that make this possible by investing in training, building a professional culture, and aligning systems around the curriculum.

When we grow together, so do our students. And with Core Knowledge as the foundation, there’s no limit to what your school can achieve.

In education, the concepts of “innovation” and a “knowledge-rich curriculum” are often viewed as opposing forces. The debate over fostering flexible thinking and problem-solving skills versus ensuring students have a strong foundation of knowledge is a long standing one. However, the truth is that these two ideas do not have to be mutually exclusive. 

Why Knowledge Fuels Innovation 

Knowledge plays a crucial role in driving innovation. Students who are well-versed in literature, history, science, and the arts have a wealth of material to draw from when thinking critically, solving problems, and generating new ideas. Innovation thrives when it is built upon a strong foundation of knowledge and understanding. 

Blending Knowledge and Innovation in the Classroom 

There are numerous ways in which schools can integrate a content-rich curriculum with innovative practices to cater to various types of learners: 

• Literature + Modern Dialogue: Students can adapt classic works into contemporary settings, exploring timeless themes in a modern context. 
• History Knowledge + Civic Action: Students can use their understanding of historical documents to create podcasts that relate key concepts to current events. 
• Science Knowledge + Inquiry: Students can engage in hands-on learning by designing sustainable habitats based on scientific knowledge. Art + Design Thinking: Students can create murals that tell stories about their communities by integrating historical art with creativity 
• Music + Creative Expression: Students can express their own narratives through composing original songs inspired by traditional music. 

A Shared Vision for Classical and Contemporary Schools 

This approach not only respects the traditions of classical schools but also provides a practical way for public schools to bridge opportunity gaps and prepare students for a rapidly evolving world. By combining a knowledge-rich curriculum with innovative teaching methods, both types of schools can foster innovative thinking, wisdom, and capability in their students. 

Moving Forward 

The key lies in finding a balance between tradition and adaptation. Schools can embrace both their heritage and the need to evolve to meet future demands. Innovation is not about discarding what has proven to be effective but about finding new ways to apply it boldly and creatively. 

Ultimately, the most powerful innovations emerge from minds well-equipped with knowledge, wisdom, and the confidence to think innovatively. By embracing a knowledge-rich, innovation-focused education, schools can empower students to thrive today and, in the years, to come. 

Core Knowledge Foundation Names Beth Battle Anderson as President & CEO

The Core Knowledge Foundation (CKF), a national leader in knowledge-based education, is pleased to announce Beth Battle Anderson as its new President & CEO, effective July 7, 2025. A proven leader in K-12 education and nonprofit strategy, Beth brings deep expertise in curriculum, educational equity, and large-scale program expansion.

Beth joins CKF after a decade as Executive Director of Hill Learning Center, where she led the growth of research-based literacy interventions and teacher training, expanding their reach to thousands of educators and schools nationally and worldwide. Prior to Hill, she served in leadership roles at Teach For America, helping to secure over $300 million in funding and leading national education partnerships. Beth was also a co-founder of Duke University’s Center for the Advancement of Social Entrepreneurship (CASE), where she worked at the intersection of education, research, and social impact and continues to serve on the advisory board. Beth is a Pahara-Aspen Education Fellow as well as a board member for both Great Schools NC and the NC State Education Assistance Authority.

As a champion of knowledge-rich curriculum and research-backed instruction, Beth is committed to CKF’s mission to ensure all students—regardless of background—have access to the knowledge they need to succeed. CKF has been a pioneer in K-12 education for nearly four decades, offering:

• A coherent, content-rich curriculum used by thousands of schools nationwide
• Groundbreaking work in the science of reading and literacy instruction
• Partnerships with state and district leaders, policymakers, and educators to expand access to high-quality curriculum

Beth will focus on strengthening CKF’s impact and partnerships at a time when knowledge-rich curricula are gaining momentum in states across the country.

For more information about CKF’s work or to connect with Beth, please contact info@coreknowledge.org