Multiple states have independently reviewed ARC Core. These reviews were not previously published online and were obtained via records requests.
Minnesota READ Act Curriculum Review Series
The Minnesota READ Act requires the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) to partner with the Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement (CAREI) at the University of Minnesota to “identify at least five literacy curricula and supporting materials that are evidence-based and focused on structured literacy by January 1, 2024, and post a list of the curricula on the department website.”
This review was not dated, but was likely done in the fall of 2023.
ARC Core® K-5, American Reading Company (2017 Edition, 2022 and 2023 Print Run)
This review was not published online at the request of American Reading Company, hence why you will not find it with the other MN reviews and why it is still in "draft" form.
The Results:
Curriculum Not Aligned to Evidence-based Structured Literacy Practices
Did not meet minimum criteria and therefore should not be used.
Not aligned = 33% or less of domains were above the cut point.
To read more about the review process, go to: https://education.mn.gov/MDE/dse/READ/resources/
Minnesota Review Document
Minnesota Rubric Document
Colorado READ Act Instructional Programming Review
Conducted by the Colorado Department of Education, the last review cycle for the READ Act was in 2023-2024. The READ Act requires the department to identify evidence-based instructional programs for use by local education agencies.
ARC Core® K-5, American Reading Company (2017 Edition, 2022 and 2023 Print Run)
The documents in this review include both an Initial and Final application, due to a built-in appeal process. The recommendation/outcome of both reviews was the same.
The Results:
Not Recommended: The instructional program did not meet criteria in Phase 1.
Scored only 2/5 for Section 1- the Research Alignment portion of the review.
A program must receive all 5 points in Section 1 to proceed to Phase 2.
To read more about the review process, go to: https://www.cde.state.co.us/coloradoliteracy/2024-read-act-instructional-programming-process
Colorado Review - Final
Colorado Review - Initial