Comprehensive Curriculum
Connecticut's K-3 Literacy Strategy recommends several actions to support evidence-aligned literacy classroom instruction and intervention. One of these critical moves is to invest in high- quality materials that provide consistent comprehensive core instruction to all students as defined by the Connecticut General Statutes, Section 10-14u. The comprehensive nature of this instruction ensures a cohesive curriculum, meaning that all the major components of literacy are interconnected as they build upon each other. A clear curricular scope and sequence provides direction so that teachers are not reliant on resource books or online materials from various sources. The result is an enhanced learning experience in which students are better able to make meaningful connections.
Here is what CT educators have to say about implementing a CT-approved, evidence-aligned core comprehensive model, program, or compendium:
“Our reading and writing blocks no longer feel separate. Everything that we’re doing in reading lends itself directly to what students are writing and the skills that they need along with the integration of science and social studies. Everything just flows so well and feels complete.”
“Teachers were excited to have something that was research-based and helped them to ensure they were teaching to the grade level standards, had a common language, encouraged planning with team members, and it was helpful for beginning teachers and support staff.”
“We’re having conversations about what we’re reading, we’re using that rich vocabulary, we’re talking about our new learning, and students are then able to write about it and produce quality work. It’s much easier for students to share their ideas and produce quality work since everything is so cohesive.”
“The range of topics that are covered throughout the year are very interesting and engaging for our students and we love how they build… through the grades to ensure that students are developing… strong background knowledge on various topics.”
“The MLL team loves how the thematic units of ARC Core curriculum support our multilingual learners’ need for academic vocabulary development right alongside of literacy development.”
“Bookworms has also opened the doors to so many wonderful topics! We’ve learned about Martin Luther King, Bojangles, Jackie Robinson… Bookworms has allowed us to connect with our science curriculum - we talk about life cycles and magnets. It also incorporates a variety of SEL topics, such as being brave and how friends help each other.”
“As a kindergarten teacher, I have found that my students love the knowledge topics, and these topics align so well with play-based learning. My classroom has been transformed to a garden center, a farm, a castle, and an ice cream shop - which is my personal favorite!”