ELA K-2 Summary of Alignment & Usability

The instructional materials for Core Knowledge Language Arts Kindergarten, Grade 1, and Grade 2 meet expectations all criteria across Gateways 1, 2, and 3. The materials for K-2 include strong foundational skills to support young students' reading development as they move from learning how to read to comprehending complex texts. Support for teachers to attend to the critical need of foundational skills is explicit and comprehensive, providing guidance and targeted instruction. The texts included with the materials are rich and rigorous, offering students a balance of informational and literary reading over the course of the school year. Materials provide many opportunities for students to complete questions and tasks in reading, writing, speaking, and listening that are grounded in evidence. The materials for Kindergarten, Grade 1, and Grade 2 meet the expectations of Gateway 2. Texts are organized to support students' building knowledge of different topics, and sets of text-dependent questions and tasks provide opportunities for students to analyze ideas and grow their vocabulary. The materials include process writing instruction and a progression of writing skills, a progression of focused shared research and writing projects. The materials for Kindergarten, Grade 1, and Grade 2 meet the expectations of Gateway 3. Materials are well-designed and take into account effective lesson structure and pacing. Materials support teacher learning and understanding of the Standards. Materials offer teachers resources and tools to collect ongoing data about student progress on the Standards. Materials provide teachers with strategies for meeting the needs of a range of learners so that they demonstrate independent ability with grade-level standards. Materials support effective use of technology to enhance student learning. Digital materials are accessible and available in multiple platforms.