Can a knowledge-rich curriculum be the missing piece in solving England’s literacy puzzle?
This blog dissects a recent working paper that examines whether a knowledge-rich curriculum in Core Knowledge charter schools …
A new 77-page *working paper by Daniel T. Willingham et al. (2023) explores the effectiveness of a knowledge-rich curriculum in enhancing literacy levels. The study focuses on Core Knowledge charter schools in the U.S., particularly from kindergarten to 6th grade.
The research shows moderate to significant gains in Reading/English-LA across different socio-economic strata.
The research comes at a critical time when education policy has primarily focused on non-cognitive skills, overlooking the role of general knowledge. The study claims that targeted curriculum interventions can close literacy gaps and, possibly, improve achievement in other subject areas. The implications are far-reaching and could inform curriculum reform efforts in the UK.
For UK teachers, this presents an opportunity to reassess curriculum priorities.
