About Core Knowledge

Core Knowledge Is:

• 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.
  
• 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: 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.

“As a parent and home educating mother of three children, I sought after a curriculum that would build a solid educational foundation for my children. Having used the curriculum for many years, I can only say wonderful things about the Core Knowledge Curriculum, and the positive learning experience and desire to learn that my children have had. I was thrilled to find a school that offered this curriculum and feel that White Pine Charter School has been an excellent benefit to my children. When my children are excited about learning, share the things they are learning and continue to build on the Core Knowledge curriculum each year, I, as a parent, am reassured that they are getting a great educational foundation that encourages higher learning and will be built upon in high school and college.” (Kim Whiting)