E. D. Hirsch's Core Knowledge Sequence is based on the belief that students should gain a core of shared knowledge. The Core Knowledge series states, "This knowledge forms a necessary foundation for the higher-order reading, writing, and thinking skills that children need for academic and vocational success."

 

The Core Knowledge Sequence has been tested and proven to be effective in increasing student academic achievement. One 2004 study found, "Over [a] six-year review period, Core Knowledge schools performed well above the national average, with their collective performance increasingly higher than the norm. This performance advantage was evident across the six content areas. The same trend was evident across schools of different sizes, different socio-economic composition, and different ethnic composition. Based on these findings, there appears to be a strong relationship between student performance and the Core Knowledge curriculum." (John Wedman and Alex Waigandt, "Core Knowledge Curriculum and School Performance: A National Study," September 2004.)