Knowledge Ignites Literacy and Learning

Knowledge about the world fuels a child’s reading comprehension and critical thinking. We share stories from schools that use “knowledge-building” curricula from the earliest grades to inspiring effect.

A student gazes up with a smile
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“Unsung Heroes” Webinar Series

Hosted by Kristen McQuillan, StandardsWork Chief Program Officer, each episode of Unsung Heroes goes deep on a reading comprehension hero that is hidden in plain sight, with expert guests from inside and outside the classroom.

There’s more to come in 2025. Subscribe to find out about future webinars!

Season 2 of the Knowledge Matters Podcast is here!

Teachers and reading experts David and Meredith Liben host “Know Better, Do Better: Comprehension,” a six-part podcast series based on their book of the same name.

With their signature charm and straight talk, David and Meredith take on an urgent problem in American schools today—kids not understanding what they read—and how reading comprehension can be taught more effectively. 

Follow our School Tour into classrooms

Our Knowledge Matters School Tour has traveled the country visiting schools that use knowledge-building curricula, and we have been inspired in each district!

Hear classroom stories in our collection of School Tour videos and feature articles.

Learn more about the reasons #KnowledgeMatters

We collected helpful resources for understanding the importance of background knowledge to literacy and learning.