Review Tools

High School Review Tool (9-12)

The High School Review Tool was designed and field-tested by literacy experts to identify and inspire English curriculum for grades 9–12 that accelerates literacy and comprehension, supports all students to engage with complex texts, and builds the knowledge young people need for college, career, and civic life.

Knowledge Matters Review Tool (K-8)

Designed by literacy experts for evaluating K-8 ELA curriculum, the Knowledge Matters Review Tool can help to determine if an ELA curriculum is truly “content-rich” and aligned to both the science of reading and the science of learning.

History Matters

Review Tool (K-5)

Students need historical content knowledge to become engaged citizens. Developed by experts in elementary literacy and social studies, the History Matters Review Tool helps educators and publishers design curriculum and structure instruction that builds knowledge and supports literacy.

Podcast Seasons

History has all but disappeared from American elementary schools. In the History Matters Podcast, we explore the vast untapped potential of high-quality history instruction to build knowledge, accelerate literacy, and prepare young people to participate in civic life.

What is the Science of Learning, and how does it connect with the Science of Reading? In Season 3 of the Knowledge Matters Podcast, hosts Dylan Wiliam, Doug Lemov, and Natalie Wexler explain what happens in the brain when we read and write–and what that means for teaching and learning.

What experiences help children become confident, strong readers who make meaning from what they read? In Season 2 of the Knowledge Matters Podcast, hosts Meredith and David Liben talk with teachers and experts about the classroom strategies that develop reading comprehension.

How do children learn not just to read, but to truly understand what they have read? In Season 1 of the Knowledge Matters Podcast, host Natalie Wexler delves into neuroscience and literacy research, and why major education reforms haven’t delivered on their promises.

In bonus episodes of the Knowledge Matters Podcast, we feature audio recordings of our popular webinars and other special content from the field.

Tools and insights

The Knowledge Matters Campaign provides free, research-based tools and learning opportunities to the field.

Curriculum Directory
ELA curricula we recognize as knowledge-building.

Review Tools
Guides for evaluating ELA and social studies curricula.

Knowledge Matters Podcast
Conversations and insights from experts, advocates, and practitioners.

Webinars
Recorded talks with expert panels designed for educators and leaders.

Substack
Quill and the Classroom by our Executive Director Kristen McQuillan.

Blog
Commentary and reflections from voices in the field.

School Tour
Stories from school districts using knowledge-building curriculum.

History Matters Campaign
Collection of our work exploring high-quality history instruction.

Share Your Review Tool Story

Are you using the Knowledge Matters Review Tool? We want to hear from you! Tell us how you’re using the tool so we can share ideas with others educators.

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