Fishtank ELA 6-8

Fishtank ELA explicitly emphasizes knowledge-building through units that integrate social studies and science content with literature study.

Units 'incorporate social studies and science topics built tightly around core texts' and emphasize 'diverse texts and topics that appeal to students' natural curiosity'

The curriculum provides tools to help teachers internalize content rather than scripted lessons, with additional supports available through subscription.

Fishtank 'does not script lessons and focuses instead on providing tools that help teachers deeply internalize and differentiate content' with 'Fishtank Plus offers additional teacher and student supports'

The curriculum appears to center around core texts in each unit, suggesting a focus on substantial works rather than fragmented excerpts.

Knowledge Matters Campaign notes that units are 'built tightly around core texts' and fluency assessments use 'passages from unit texts'

The curriculum appears to favor student-centered discussion and participation rather than direct instruction approaches.

Lessons are described as 'student- and text-centered with rich discussion at their heart' and 'demand significant student participation' built on 'social learning'

The curriculum emphasizes complex texts that increase in difficulty over time, aligning with grade-level expectations.

EdReports rates text quality and complexity as 'Partially Meets Expectations' and reviews note 'texts by award-winning authors that increase in complexity over time'

As a grades 6-8 curriculum, systematic phonics instruction is not applicable or expected at these grade levels.

Curriculum targets middle school grades where phonics instruction is typically not the primary focus

No specific evidence of retrieval practice or spaced review components in the available reviews.

Reviews do not mention quizzes, recall exercises, or systematic review practices

Limited specific evidence available regarding explicit vocabulary instruction approaches or systematic vocabulary building strategies.

Reviews mention complex texts but do not detail specific vocabulary instruction methods

The curriculum aims to develop students as writers, but specific details about writing instruction structure and approach are not detailed in available reviews.

Curriculum description mentions developing 'critical readers, writers, and thinkers' but lacks specifics on writing pedagogy