Core Knowledge^®K–8 Schools

Core Knowledge Home > K-8 Schools > Workshops

Professional Development Workshops

“We watched the What is Core Knowledge? DVD, but it was worth every penny to have an experienced teacher come out and talk to us about his experiences with Core Knowledge. All my questions have been answered, and I can’t wait to begin teaching Core Knowledge!”
—Comment from a workshop evaluation form

The Core Knowledge Foundation offers a variety of 2-day workshops designed to take participants through the steps necessary to successfully implement the Core Knowledge Sequence. Workshops are tailored to the individual needs of schools throughout the process leading to full implementation, which is usually achieved in three years. The Core Knowledge Foundation has a network of specially trained teachers and administrators with extensive experience working in Core Knowledge schools that serve as workshop leaders. Workshops are conducted at your school unless otherwise indicated. All logistical arrangements, including travel, are handled by staff at Core Knowledge Foundation. The Core Knowledge Foundation is the sole provider of all training related to the implementation of the Core Knowledge Sequence.

Goals of Core Knowledge Professional Development Workshops

“We tried to begin implementing Core Knowledge on our own, but it was a so hard. We were overwhelmed! We almost gave up, but our principal scheduled a weeklong workshop for us. Our consultant was wonderful … she made implementation so much easier! I wish we had this workshop two years ago when we started!”
—Comment from a workshop evaluation form

To provide professional development and technical assistance to teachers and administrators in their school-wide implementation of the Core Knowledge Sequence
To focus on meaningful learning and understanding for all students in order to raise their level of achievement
To provide follow-up components for professional development in order to ensure that the implementation of the Core Knowledge Sequence results in improved student performance

Preschool Training

We encourage all preschool teachers to participate in Preschool Teacher Training. Please refer to the Preschool Professional Development information on our website or contact the Assistant to the Director of Early Childhood Programs, at 434-977-7550 extension 352.

Workshops: Beginning Core Knowledge

“Now that I have learned this way to teach Core Knowledge, I cannot go back to the old way. My lessons naturally flow with these new components. Thank you for opening my eyes to this effective and meaningful approach to developing lessons and assessments!”
—Comment from a workshop evaluation form

These workshops are normally completed within the first year or two.

Introduction to Core Knowledge
Core Knowledge Coordinator & Leadership Institute
Getting Started
Teaching Core Knowledge

Workshops: Sustaining Core Knowledge

The following professional development workshops are designed to provide continued support and they are recommended after the initial 1–2 years of implementation. These workshops can be scheduled according to your allotted professional development days throughout the school year and during summer, although New Teacher Orientation, Implementation Analysis, and Developing Core Knowledge Units should be scheduled consecutively if possible.

New Teacher Orientation
Implementation Analysis
Developing Core Knowledge Units
Follow-up Visits
Social Skills Training
Differentiating Instruction in the Core Knowledge Classroom

Workshop agendas:

Overview	PDF
Getting Started: 2 day	PDF
Getting Started: 3 day	PDF
Teaching Core Knowledge: Assessments	PDF
Teaching Core Knowledge: Lessons	PDF
New Teacher Orientation	PDF
Implementation Analysis	PDF
Unit Writing	PDF
Differentiating Instruction in the Classroom	PDF

On-Going Support

“This workshop was the BEST we have ever had. It was so useful…even our specialists were actively involved. This workshop confirmed how much Core Knowledge we taught last year, and we have a PLAN for this upcoming year. I hope our consultant comes back to work with us again next year!”
—Comment from a workshop evaluation form

Core Knowledge staff members are available to answer questions and provide information free of charge via our toll-free phone number and email. Networking opportunities are available through the “Core-Net” list serve, the annual conference, and via our message boards. Publication information, lesson plans, and general information are also available from this web site.