- A SOLID knowledge of important fundamentals of education. For example, the basic principles of constitutional government, important events of world history, essential elements of mathematics and of oral and written expression, widely acknowledged masterpieces of art and music, and stories and poems passed down from generation to generation.
- A SEQUENCED stepping stone. Knowledge builds on knowledge. Children learn new knowledge by building on what they already know. Only a school system that clearly defines the knowledge and skills required to participate in each successive grade can be excellent and fair for all students. For this reason, the Core Knowledge Sequence provides a clear outline of content to be learned grade by grade. This sequential building of knowledge not only helps ensure that children enter each new grade ready to learn, but also helps prevent the many repetitions and gaps that characterize much current schooling.
Academics
Core Knowledge is:
- A SPECIFIC curriculum. The Core Knowledge Sequence is distinguished by its specificity. By clearly specifying important knowledge in language arts, history and geography, math, science, and the fine arts, the Core Knowledge Sequence presents a practical answer to the question, “What do our children need to know?”
- A SHARED knowledge. Literacy depends on shared knowledge. To be literate means, in part, to be familiar with a broad range of knowledge taken for granted by speakers and writers. One goal of the Core Knowledge Foundation is to provide all children, regardless of background, with the shared knowledge they need to be included in our national literate culture.
Benefits of Core knowledge for students:
For Students: broad knowledge base, rich vocabulary, strong desire to learn, helps build confidence, instills higher levels of learning.
For White Pine Charter School: provides an academic focus and encourages consistency in instruction, provides a plan for sequenced learning from grade to grade, promotes a community of learners — adults and children, and becomes an effective tool for lesson planning and communication among teachers and with parents.
For Parents and the Community: provides a clear outline of what children are expected to learn in school, and encourages parents to participate in their children’s education both at home and in school.
Visit coreknowledge.org for the sequence and more information.