At Nova Hreod Academy, we teach a high challenge, knowledge-based English curriculum to all students in all classes. As a new member of the faculty this year, I am going to share my insights and the benefits I believe a high challenge, knowledge-based curriculum has on students’ ability to read well.

The ability to read is not innate; it requires explicit teaching. Not reading is a vicious cycle and it can quickly become something that the word-rich take for granted. As Willingham said: "Knowledge is vital for improving reading, and reading is vital for improving knowledge."

By Sophie Unsworth