Dissemination Policy: What Makes Reading Instruction CORI?

CORI is a theoretical model of integrated instruction in reading and science, or reading and social studies. An overview of the CORI model has been given in numerous journal articles and books.

The current research-based design of CORI is 12 weeks of instruction for 60-120 minutes daily in the fall for grades 3, 4, and 5. When implemented as designed, this prototype has produced statistically significant, experimental advantages on standardized reading comprehension tests, reading motivation, and science knowledge.

CORI implementation (model or prototype) is expensive and time consuming. It requires several months of planning by 1 -3 full-time staff members, teacher professional development, and funds to purchase books, manipulatives, and portfolios necessary for instruction. Implementation of the prototype requires approved use of the CORI Professional Development Guide Grades 3 -5.

Professional development for instructors in the theoretical model requires a minimum of 10 days in the summer to give instructors opportunity to adapt existing materials to the curriculum framework. For a CORI teacher to implement the program in the classroom, a minimum of 10 days using the Professional Development Module is required.

For an instructional program to label itself as CORI, verification that CORI is implemented fully is essential. An instructional program must meet one of two conditions to make a public claim that it meets the CORI standards:

• Extensive professional development and oversight by a CORI trainer approved by John T. Guthrie; or
• Submission of 2 hours of videotaped instruction that is approved by John Guthrie as valid instruction according to implementation rubrics published in peer-reviewed journal articles, available upon request.

Programs that do not meet either of the abovementioned conditions may not use the name Concept-Oriented Reading Instruction (CORI) in conjunction with its instructional program.