Research has consistently shown that to develop proficient readers you need more than foundational skills. The Knowledge Matters Campaign seeks to ensure that knowledge-building is included in discussions about the Science of Reading. The campaign has recognized eight curricula as successfully building background knowledge in topics like science, history, literature, and the arts. ARC Core, grounded in the Science of Reading, is proud to be one of these eight curricula. 

ARC Core provides students with explicit and systematic instruction in essential foundational reading skills, such as phonics and phonemic awareness, while providing children with content rich books that build vocabulary and knowledge. This is the key mix that leads to students reading on grade level. 

Are you interested in learning more about why knowledge is so critical? These articles from ASCD authored by the Knowledge Matters Campaign Scientific Advisory Board provide research and key tips for teachers: 

• Helping Students Access Complex, Knowledge-Rich Texts (ascd.org)

• The Language Basis of Knowledge (ascd.org) 

• Build Your Knowledge on Knowledge and Comprehension (ascd.org) 

• Setting the Conditions for Building Knowledge (ascd.org)