Health of the

Core Instruction

What is Core Instruction and why is its health so important?

  • Core instruction (also referred to as Tier 1 instruction) consists of on grade level standards based learning experiences in which all students participate.

  • The heart of the three-tiered model is the core instruction program. Providing students the with the best opportunities to succeed at school begins with high-quality core instruction in the general education setting.​

  • Core instruction should be sufficient for approximately 80% or more students to be successful on grade level standards.

The Core


  • Core Instruction is the base of the triangle in a Multi-Tiered Systems of Support framework. It includes basic instruction in ELA and Math, as well as Science and Social Studies.​

  • Core Instruction is supported by PBIS implementation. ​

  • The District determines the core curriculum based on Florida state standards, such as those recently adopted for English Language Arts (BEST ELA Standards) and Mathematics (BEST Math Standards)

  • Additional District Plans for Core Curriculum can be found on the CCPS website under Curriculum and Instruction. ​

Who Maintains Core Instruction?

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  • The State of Florida has rules on standards to be followed and the District is responsible for providing teachers with a sound curriculum that is aligned with the standards.​

  • In buildings, it is the responsibility of the school administration to oversee the core curriculum, schedule time for teachers to obtain student and class data, support collaboration as needed, develop interventions, and monitor student progress.

  • ​Classroom teachers are responsible for maintaining the Core Instruction in their classrooms.

Elements of Quality Tier 1 Instruction


What constitutes "quality core instruction"?


  • Focused grade level and standards based instruction that includes establishing the purpose of learning and its success criteria, and relies on teacher modeling.​

  • Guided instruction that fosters a degree of student responsibility, and is supported through scaffolds that include questions, prompts, and cues. ​

  • Collaborative learning that occurs in the company of peers as they consolidate their understanding and resolve problems.​

  • Independent learning to build fluency, apply learning, explore new learning, and promote reflection and metacognition.​

(Fisher & Frey, 2014)​