History Matters

We promote high-quality social studies instruction and highlight the vital role of historical content knowledge to literacy and reading comprehension.

[History Matters @HistoryMatrs]

The new @educationweek piece highlights our #HistoryMatters Review Tool and how it helps schools evaluate whether history curriculum actually builds coherent knowledge across grades instead of disconnected activities and worksheets.

https://t.co/Mju2mgzIs3

[Knowledge Matters @KnowledgeMatrs]

@natwexler latest edition of Minding the Gap is all about clarity for educators!

Learn about the new AI Evidence Checker and the second edition of @deansforimpact Science of Learning Report!

https://t.co/9Ik0uE9ZDs

[Knowledge Matters @KnowledgeMatrs]

“For learners w/ lower prior knowledge, explicit instruction should precede inquiry to support schema acquisition, whereas for more knowledgeable learners, inquiry can activate existing schemas…”

This was discussed in S3 of the #knowledgematters podcast!
https://t.co/Q0gzETJHif

[Natalie Wexler @natwexler]

Two new resources can help educators navigate the confusing world of education research. @deansforimpact @nsachdeva2019

That's important. But to make real progress, we also need to take a systemic, curriculum-focused approach.

More in my new post:

https://t.co/MdypQskQxE

[Knowledge Matters @KnowledgeMatrs]

Knowledge-building and vocabulary-building are not separate goals. The words students learn are tied directly to the content, concepts, and ideas they encounter.

Knowledge matters because language grows through it.

🔗https://t.co/s2rfLOSnQf

[Allen Tsui @TsuiAllen]

Thank you @HistoryMatrs for RP this from @KnowledgeMatrs Think I'm going to have to join you with your #ComputingMatrs moniker because as you both highlight #VocabularyMatrs to enable the learning to go deeper...

[Knowledge Matters @KnowledgeMatrs]

As @natwexler recently shared, one of the biggest myths in education is that young kids aren’t interested in “big” topics.

Knowledge-building curriculum keeps proving the opposite.

🔗 https://t.co/03jRr3gzzN

[Knowledge Matters @KnowledgeMatrs]

Our colleagues at @deansforimpact just released The Science of Learning, 2nd ed!

#TheScienceOfLearning2 includes updated research, pitfalls to avoid, and more, grounded in our best scientific understanding of how students learn. https://t.co/D6ITqvPyyc

[Knowledge Matters @KnowledgeMatrs]

“Change can be difficult, especially if the reasons for it haven’t been communicated clearly.”

The convo around whole books is an important one. But, there’s more to it than simply counting texts. @natwexler latest Substack weighs in on considerations when looking at programs.

[Knowledge Matters @KnowledgeMatrs]

The @nytimes reminded us what happens when kids increase screen time and decrease ACTUAL reading:

“In turn, schools expect less from students, assigning fewer whole books and simplifying the curriculum…” @CarolJago

📚Volume + Quality of texts matters📚
https://t.co/O8vTmw8C85

[Melissa & Lori Love Literacy Podcast @literacypodcast]

Daniel Willingham and Barbara Davidson explain why background knowledge is essential for comprehension.

We’re rereleasing this episode along with a listening guide you can use while you tune in.

Podcast Episode: https://t.co/0h05zQ6lUr
Listening Guide: https://t.co/gyC8cAG8Wi

[Curriculum Matters @CurriculumMatrs]

📣“Students need coherent opportunities to build knowledge and vocabulary, discuss meaningful ideas, write about complex texts, and engage in sustained reading that deepens understanding over time…teachers deserve curriculum…intentionally designed to support that work.”📣

[Knowledge Matters @KnowledgeMatrs]

When @mcglynn3 presented at @researchED_US NYC, she heard many educators concerned about the lack of coherence in comprehension instruction. Our teachers and students deserve clarity and quality.

🔗Read her “Unofficial Field Guide” to the SoR Era here:

https://t.co/Jyt6t5EEqM

[Knowledge Matters @KnowledgeMatrs]

Don’t miss this! #KnowledgeMatters

[Knowledge Matters @KnowledgeMatrs]

“We now have a systematic program… but one of the things we may be neglecting is time spent reading.”

Important reminder from @SusanBneuman: strong literacy instruction should include BOTH knowledge-building and time with whole books. https://t.co/spuALFEvD8

[Curriculum Matters @CurriculumMatrs]

@natwexler gets into @educationgadfly and @RANDCorporation survey results re: The Science of Reading.

This Substack is full of edusphere reactions to the results and commentators’ observations!!!

[Melissa & Lori Love Literacy Podcast @literacypodcast]

“To read stuff, you have to know stuff.”

In this episode, Kelly Gallagher joins us to talk about the powerful connection between knowledge and comprehension.
https://t.co/bR56rpKb5G

[Natalie Wexler @natwexler]

A new study shows many teachers are on board with the "science of reading," but we still have a long way to go.

Plus, there's more buy-in for phonics than for building knowledge. You need both to be a proficient reader.

More in my new post:

https://t.co/or34pkG3oM

[Knowledge Matters @KnowledgeMatrs]

Knowledge doesn’t build itself.

Behind strong readers are coherent texts, vocabulary, history, science, discussion, and the intentional systems that build background knowledge over time.

Don’t ditch the textbook.

Read: https://t.co/reVJdEzNEr

[Knowledge Matters @KnowledgeMatrs]

@natwexler’s reflection on the new Fordham survey is worth the read.

Encouraging takeaway: more teachers recognize the importance of phonics & knowledge-building than they did 5–10 years ago.

We still have work to do, but the conversation is changing.
https://t.co/qaPEDLvn1d