“In The Know” Blog

Blog

High-Quality Elementary History Can’t Wait. Here’s How We’re Helping Districts Get It Right.

The History Matters Review Tool answers questions districts and publishers routinely ask.
- Barbara Davidson

02/17/2026

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The Real College Crisis Starts in Kindergarten

The college crisis is real - but to solve it we must address what is taught in the elementary classroom.
- C. Bradley Miller and Matthew Levey

01/27/2026

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Common Knowledge: The Knowledge Matters Campaign Turns 10

On the eve of our 10th birthday, we posed two big questions to a dozen experts.

12/30/2025

Blog

Finding Time for History: How Building Knowledge in ELA Fueled Our Passion for the Past

Our social studies block is not optional or an excuse to squeeze in some extra ELA practice.
- Anthony Fitzpatrick

12/09/2025

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From Laws to Literacy: The science of reading needs more than statutes to succeed

Policy is an unreliable mechanism for improving real, on-the-ground classroom practice.
- Robert Pondiscio and Kristen McQuillan

11/07/2025

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A Yearlong Study of the Constitution, in Fifth Grade?

What my son is doing in our Maryland district this year.
- Vaishali Joshi

10/28/2025

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History Teachers Love Primary Sources. Do Students?

Burying history students in primary sources pushes them into cognitive overload.
- Jon Bassett and Gary Shiffman

10/14/2025

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Say Hello to the History Matters Podcast – out today!

Our new podcast explores history’s vast potential to inform and inspire young students.
- Barbara Davidson

09/30/2025

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Teaching How Our Brains Learn Best

Truly accelerating student literacy means grounding instructional practices in both the science of reading and the science of learning.
- Melaika A. Brown

09/09/2025

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Digging History Out of the Dustbin: A Literacy-First Approach for Elementary Classrooms

It’s time to create new, literacy-forward, high-quality social studies materials.
- Amy Holbrook

08/26/2025

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Truly Shifting to Science of Reading Sometimes Takes “Balanced Literacy Rehab”

Even with new curricula and good intentions, old teaching habits die hard. How to break the cycle and improve literacy outcomes.
- Kristen McQuillan

08/06/2025

Blog

A New Podcast Explores Literacy and the Science of Learning

I'm a co-host, along with Dylan Wiliam and Doug Lemov, of Season 3 of the Knowledge Matters Podcast.
- Natalie Wexler

07/30/2025

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What Ken Burns and Joe Rogan Taught Me About History Class

Students can handle complexity. When we give them time and tools, they want to wrestle with contradictions.
- Matthew Levey

07/22/2025

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It’s New Podcast Day! “Literacy and the Science of Learning” Starts Now

Check out episode 1: “Dylan Wiliam on How the Brain Learns”!
- Barbara Davidson

06/24/2025

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New Podcast Season! “Literacy and the Science of Learning” Starts 6/24

Join Hosts Dylan Wiliam, Doug Lemov, and Natalie Wexler for Season 3.
- Barbara Davidson

06/17/2025

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This This State Is Achieving Impressive Reading Gains. Why?

The high-quality curriculum that sets teachers up for success
- Rick Hess, Matthew Levey

05/22/2025

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Louisiana Social Studies Visit Spotlighted in New York Times

In Ouachita Parish Schools, students and teachers use high-quality, knowledge-building curricula.
- Barbara Davidson

05/12/2025

Blog

Meet Lady Liberty: An Historic Icon for America, and for Us

Unveiling the History Matters Campaign logo.
- Matthew Levey

03/18/2025

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Reading Tests Are Out of Step with Reality. There’s a Better Way.

Interim assessments that follow research can enhance teaching and learning.
- Susan Pimentel and David Liben

02/25/2025

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The Case for Storytelling in History Curriculum

Stories stick in our mind. History is full of great ones. High-quality curriculum should include them.
- Matthew Levey

01/22/2025

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Can Social Studies Benefit from Lessons Learned in ELA?

A retrospective on visiting ELA classrooms over the last seven years.
- Barbara Davidson

01/08/2025

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“Unsung Heroes” Webinar Series: Get to Know the MVPs of Reading Comprehension

The series features experts from inside and outside of the classroom.
- Knowledge Matters Campaign

12/16/2024

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A History Lesson for the Future of Social Studies, Courtesy of the High-Quality Curriculum Movement

It’s time to get serious about social studies.
- Barbara Davidson and Kristen McQuillan

11/12/2024

Blog

Today’s the Day! The Knowledge Matters Podcast Season 2 Is Here

Check out the first two episodes of “Know Better, Do Better: Comprehension.”
- Barbara Davidson

10/15/2024