The RedThread curriculum integrates components of national standards, such as Common Core, by combining reading comprehension, writing, vocabulary development, and critical thinking into lessons emphasizing knowledge-building and preparing students for academic success.

RedThread provides systematic instruction in foundational literacy skills, including phonics and decoding, and advanced skills like analysis, synthesis, and evidence-based writing. This comprehensive approach aligns with state requirements, particularly those mandating instruction grounded in the Science of Reading research.

The curriculum’s instructional approach also supports knowledge building by helping students connect concepts across disciplines and develop a deeper understanding. Integrating complex texts, close reading strategies, and rigorous writing tasks equip students for success in state assessments and beyond.

RedThread Foundations (K-2) systematically develops foundational literacy skills through explicit phonics, decoding, and fluency instruction. The program builds both reading mechanics and content knowledge through carefully sequenced lessons that grow students' confidence and independence.

The curriculum includes:

• Systematic Phonics: Daily explicit instruction in letter-sound relationships, blending, and word analysis, supported by multisensory activities that reinforce learning
• Knowledge-Building Decodable Texts: Carefully crafted readers that align with phonics instruction while building essential background knowledge through engaging, multicultural narratives
• Comprehensive Teacher Support: Research-aligned lesson plans, assessment tools, and differentiation strategies that help teachers deliver effective instruction for all learners

For grades 3-5, RedThread builds on this strong foundation with an increased focus on reading comprehension, analytical thinking, and evidence-based writing. The program systematically develops students' ability to tackle complex texts while continuing to build critical background knowledge, preparing them for success on state assessments. 

RedThread Knowledge (K-8) builds student knowledge through thematic units that integrate science, social studies, and the arts. By intentionally developing content knowledge alongside literacy skills, the program helps students build robust mental models that improve comprehension and critical thinking across disciplines.

The curriculum includes:

• Integrated Text Sets: Thoughtfully organized reading fiction and non-fiction collections that deepen understanding of essential topics through multiple genres, perspectives, and cultural lenses
• Project-Based Discovery: Carefully designed learning experiences that help students extend their knowledge through meaningful, real-world projects

Comprehensive Implementation Support: Research-aligned lesson plans, discussion guides, and assessment tools that help teachers strategically build student knowledge while developing critical thinking and analytical skills

Yes, the RedThread curriculum includes a comprehensive assessment package. Each unit features formative and summative assessments. These resources are designed to help educators measure student learning, identify areas for growth, and inform instruction.

RedThread offers a multi-layered support system to ensure successful implementation:

1. Core Curriculum Resources: Teachers receive comprehensive guides, student materials, and supplementary resources to support effective lesson delivery.
2. Professional Learning Opportunities: Educators can participate in workshops, unit launches, and RedThread Institutes to deepen their understanding of the curriculum, refine instructional strategies, and foster student engagement
3. Coaching: Throughout the year, teachers can benefit from coaching support, which provides tailored feedback, real-time guidance, and actionable strategies to meet the diverse needs of their classrooms.

The recommended daily time varies by program and grade level:

• RedThread Foundations K–2: Each lesson is designed to build upon the previous one, ensuring a logical progression in reading skill development. Lessons include 30 minutes of structured routines and 20 minutes of RedThread Readers daily decodable text work, supported by continuous formative assessment.
• RedThread Knowledge K–2: 75 minutes daily for an integrated reading and writing curriculum that aligns with RedThread Foundations.
• RedThread Knowledge 3–5: 90 minutes daily for a multicultural, project-based literacy program aligned with 3–5 RedThread Foundations.
• RedThread Knowledge 6–8: 90 minutes per day in a global, thematic reading and writing program, including 30 minutes of routines and opportunities for formative assessment.

RedThread Knowledge and Foundations are grounded in the Science of Reading, using a structured literacy approach to provide explicit, systematic, and diagnostic instruction in:

• Phonological awareness
• Phonics and word recognition
• Fluency
• Vocabulary
• Listening and reading comprehension
• Written expression

The curriculum aligns with the Simple View of Reading and Scarborough’s Reading Rope, addressing both foundational skills (e.g., phonological awareness, phonics) and language comprehension (e.g., vocabulary, background knowledge, verbal reasoning).

RedThread Knowledge focuses on building background knowledge and literacy skills, while RedThread Foundations emphasizes foundational reading skills. Both programs integrate meaningful texts and discussions to support comprehension and knowledge-building.

Writing instruction is research-based, integrating reading and writing to build knowledge before students engage in writing tasks. Explicit instruction in writing structure and mentor texts further refine students’ skills.