How do we intend to design our school using E.D. Hirsch Core Knowledge as a role model?

To achieve this goal, we have chosen the Core Knowledge Sequence as a scaffolding to build our curriculum on. It was chosen because it is highly effective in raising scores for all students, thereby leveling the playing field for students regardless of background, socio-economic status, and ability. Studies have documented the effectiveness of the Core Knowledge in both rural and urban schools, large and small, for decades, therefore we are confident that it will be a worthy pursuit for our community as well. Core Knowledge requires students to be taught the required skills and mastery of each content area while being effectively and accurately assessed. Logically, mastery of the previous year’s standards means that they are able to learn the skills required under the present year’s standards. Standards alignment across and within grades reduces gaps in knowledge that occur when students have not learned what they are expected to know. A rigorous, thoroughly-aligned curriculum, therefore, allows the greatest opportunity for a student's current success and also prepares each student to excel in high school and beyond.