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The Fundations® Curriculum


Lay the groundwork for reading, spelling, and handwriting success through structured literacy.

Foundational Skills for Young Learners

Informed by an extensive research base and designed to achieve success with a wide variety of learners, Fundations® is a multisensory structured literacy program that presents all skills in a systematic and sequential manner in four Levels: K, 1, 2, and 3. A Pre-K Activity Set is also available.

Each Level provides a yearlong curriculum. For an integrated, comprehensive approach to reading and spelling, teachers should implement Fundations alongside a core or literature-based language arts program that includes a wide variety of text experiences and exposure to poetry, narrative and informational text.

Each Fundations learning activity aligns to the science of reading.
Click here to learn how.

Young girl building word with magnetic letter tiles

Instruction in Critical Reading and Writing Skills

Thorough Instruction in Foundational Skills Standards

Fundations goes beyond other programs by comprehensively providing instruction on concepts and skills that are key to the acquisition of foundational skills. Fundations teaches the underlying structure of the English language and utilizes an efficient, effective approach that teaches decoding and spelling concurrently.

For English Language Learners

Fundations helps English language learners (ELLs) by teaching the skills and strategies they need to be successful in learning to read and write in English. As a comprehensive word study program addressing reading, spelling, and writing skills, Fundations prepares English language learners to meet grade-level standards for college- and career-readiness, readying them for success in subsequent grades.

Learning Strategies for Success

Modeling and scaffolded instruction ensures that students understand the skills being taught, learn the procedures, and are able to use the skills and procedures on their own. Teachers build students’ metacognitive skills by having them think about the learning tools they have acquired and consider which they should draw on if they need help. They also connect current learning to previous skills taught and explain how the new skills will help them achieve future goals. By having an integrated assessment component, teachers are able to assess students’ areas of strength and weakness and can differentiate instruction as appropriate.

Curriculum Framework

Each level of the Fundations program builds on previously taught skills and concepts.

Ongoing Teacher Support

Our comprehensive professional learning opportunities ensure teachers are prepared to effectively use Fundations within their school’s Multi-tiered System of Supports (MTSS) or Response to Intervention (RTI) framework. Individual teachers are supported through Level-specific workshops, Virtual Implementation Support, and the Fundations Learning Community.

We also partner directly with schools and districts to build local capacity to use, support, and sustain the Fundations program. Through customized plans, we can help you develop Facilitators and or/Presenters to cultivate teacher-leaders and build sustainability.

Extra Support for Students Advancing to Fundations Levels 1 and 2

Fundations students who have had disrupted learning or need extra support before taking on the next grade’s curriculum may benefit from the Fundations Ready to Rise® program, which can be implemented over the summer or at the beginning of the school year. It’s available for rising Level 1 and Level 2 students. Learn more on the Fundations Ready to Rise® page.

Learn About Professional Learning Opportunities

We provide educators with the training needed to enhance instruction and support implementation of our programs with fidelity to achieve student success. Whether you need individual teacher support or school and district implementation plans, WLT is here to help.

2 educators at a Wilson Workshop