CommonLit 360 CommonLit 360 Foundations: The Power of Vertical Coherence

Here at CommonLit, we have four Guiding Principles that represent our foundational beliefs about teaching and learning. Our team of curriculum writers - all experienced former educators - have carefully developed CommonLit 360 to align with these guiding principles and ensure that each unit and lesson is designed to support the growth and success of all learners.

In this blog series, we have invited CommonLit’s Senior Curriculum Writers to share a bit more about the practices that support the design of our curriculum. This article is connected to Guiding Principle 1: Students can engage with and learn rigorous, grade-level content. We believe that all students are capable of achieving success with grade-level learning. As such, it is essential that all students access and engage with grade-level texts and learning activities. Learn more about our Guiding Principles in our CommonLit 360 Program Guide! 

The Power of Vertical Coherence: Why a Strong Core Curriculum is a Game-Changer for Schools

When it comes to student success, few things are more critical than a well-structured, vertically coherent curriculum. We recently sat down with Maria Mayo, one of CommonLit’s Senior Curriculum Writers, to discuss why a core curriculum is essential for teachers and students alike.

With 14 years of teaching experience in both middle and high school classrooms, Mayo has seen firsthand the importance of vertical alignment in education. Her unique perspective—having taught English Language Arts (ELA) at multiple grade levels and later serving as a media specialist—has given her deep insight into what students need to succeed as they progress through school.

The Power of Vertical Coherence

One of the biggest challenges in education is ensuring that students build on their skills year after year, rather than experiencing disjointed learning. Mayo emphasized how crucial it is for a curriculum to be intentionally designed so that each grade level prepares students for the next.

"When I was teaching, I cycled up with my students from seventh to eighth and then later to ninth grade. That experience showed me just how important it is for students to have a clear progression of skills—because I couldn’t point the finger at anyone else if they weren’t prepared!" Mayo explained.

A vertically coherent curriculum ensures that teachers aren’t reteaching the same skills repeatedly or, conversely, assuming students have knowledge they were never taught. It provides a clear roadmap for educators and a seamless learning journey for students.

The 2018 New Teacher Project's Opportunity Myth report stated that while students ‘passed’ 71% of their assignments, the work only met grade-level standards 17% of the time. Without alignment around curriculum, it can be difficult for teachers to create grade-level, high quality instructional materials that build upon, rather than re-teach skills year after year. 

The Pitfalls of the Siloed Classroom

For teachers working within fragmented curriculum structures—where different grade levels use different resources—the challenge of meeting students where they are can feel overwhelming. Without a core curriculum, teachers spend around 7-12 hours per week - outside of working hours - searching for and creating instructional resources (free and paid), drawing from a variety of sources, many of them unvetted.

Things as simple as inconsistencies with naming conventions can make it difficult for teachers to know whether students have previously learned a skill. 

"A common curriculum ensures that all students, regardless of which teacher they have, receive the same foundational knowledge and skills. It also makes grade transitions smoother. When teachers collaborate across grade levels, students don’t feel like they’re learning a completely different language every year," says Mayo.

Engaging Students with Relevant, Rigorous Content

Mayo shared how a well-structured curriculum avoids the temptation of watering down complex texts or overwhelming students with difficult material.

"CommonLit believes all students should engage with high-level texts and content," she said. "Rather than lowering expectations, we scaffold the learning process—adjusting tasks, prompts, and reading modalities to ensure all students can access challenging material."

This approach not only keeps students engaged but also promotes equity. Every student, regardless of their background or which classroom they are in, has access to the same rigorous, high-quality content.

At the same time, a great curriculum offers flexibility. "The best core programs provide structure but aren’t overly scripted. Teachers still have room to bring their expertise and creativity to the classroom," reflects Mayo.

Skill Building That Supports Real-World Success

A strong curriculum doesn’t just prepare students for the next grade—it builds essential skills that serve them beyond the classroom. Mayo highlighted how CommonLit 360 carefully sequences writing instruction so that students develop sophistication in their analytical and argumentative writing skills over time.

"Writing isn’t just about big formal essays—it’s also about note-taking, short responses, and research skills. We give students as many opportunities as possible to practice without overwhelming them. Each grade level builds on the last, so by the time they reach high school, they’re prepared for more complex writing demands," she explained.

Final Thoughts

For teachers looking to improve student outcomes, investing in a well-structured, vertically coherent curriculum is a game-changer. It’s not just about what students learn each year—it’s about preparing them for success in the years to come.

When done right, a core curriculum enhances student engagement, ensures skill progression, and creates a consistent and equitable learning experience. 

Interested in bringing CommonLit 360 to your school?

Connect with our team to learn how you can bring CommonLit 360, rated all-green by EdReports, to your school or district today.