Introduction to Core Instruction

High-quality core instruction provides all students with access to grade-level standards, includes inclusive practices, provides support for learners and embeds assessments to inform teaching and learning. Core instruction is differentiated to meet learners’ individual needs and relies on assessments to respond to those needs. Section 7 of Oregon’s Early Literacy Framework includes more information about core instruction.

Core instruction provides equitable access and opportunity for all students. It helps guarantee that all students are exposed to important concepts, skills and strategies to reach learning goals, though some learners may need additional support to achieve those goals.

Core + More means that every student receives strong core instruction as well as any additional specific and targeted skill instruction as needed. In order to do this, teachers need to know how reading develops and how to align instruction to grade-level standards. In addition, teachers need to know how to determine skills students have and need and how to differentiate or tier support all while creating a coherent literacy learning experience.

Oregon Department of Education provides resources to guide the selection of high-quality instructional materials, which are an integral part of high-quality core instruction.