CKLA

Core Knowledge Language Arts/ (CKLA) CKLA is a content-rich literacy curriculum distinguished by robust and sequential knowledge building, as well as systematic foundational skills instruction.

CKLA 3–5 consists of original texts systematically and coherently ordered to build broad content knowledge in science, social studies, and the arts. An intentional approach to building knowledge invites students to engage with and make connections across topics not commonly taught in elementary literacy classrooms (e.g., Ancient Greece and the War of 1812 in grade 2). In K–2, high-interest, fully decodable stories advance along with students’ foundational reading skills.

Deep Knowledege Building

Elementary topics in history, science, literature, and the arts build on prerequisite content taught in the curriculum. For example, students examine the heart’s role in circulation and then build on that understanding in later grades when they study the circulatory system in more depth. Students learn “for keeps” through the years, gaining a firm grounding in a diverse range of topics.

Topic coherence within and across grades ensures that students both explore a diverse range of topics and go deeper into topics over the years. “Pause points” are built into all grades and provide students with time to cement or expand their learning. Lessons pay careful attention to the language students encounter in their texts. Daily writing is tightly connected to the texts and topics students explore.

Systematic foundational skills and fluency

The PreK–2 foundational reading program is thorough and well organized. Frequent assessments allow teachers to provide students with precise instruction and abundant practice. CKLA uses a collection of highly engaging decodable texts to provide practice with phonics patterns. Grade-level fluency is a feature throughout the elementary grades, supplemented with diverse short passages from various genres that are connected to topics being studied.

Equitable access to challenging texts

Topics are tightly interconnected in CKLA year-over-year as students gain knowledge to access increasingly complex texts in succeeding grades. The class works together to tackle grade-level core texts with well-organized, easy-to-access student resources. Students are empowered by what they learn about a range of topics and how they connect, fostering their confidence to persevere in their studies.

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