There are five main components to the standards for ELA
Instruction. These standards
include, reading, writing, speaking, listening and language. According to the
common core website, the goal is achievement and results, not dictating the
means used to get there. This allows teachers, curriculum developers and
individual states the freedom to achieve results in whatever way they feel
appropriate, while still maintaining a national standard.
The reading component focuses on text complexity and growth
of comprehension. The ultimate goal is comprehension and applying this to life
in the world. Students must learn to make connections and be able to think
critically about what they are reading, among other areas of focus.
The second
component is the writing piece. Reading and writing connection is stressed to
understand a student’s level of comprehension. The focus in the writing
component is text type, responding to reading and research.
The next section includes both speaking and listening. The
focus is on formal presentations, oral communication and developing
interpersonal skills. Students must work together to develop speech and
listening comprehension.
The final component in the standards for ELA instruction is
the language piece. This area focuses on language conventions, developing an
effective use of vocabulary, or more specifically the use of words and phrases.
In the K-5 classroom, a single teacher is responsible for
implementing the standards. In grades 6-12 these standards are covered by ELA
teachers and also by teachers in content specific subject areas.
In my instruction I always include some reading, writing, and listening for information. I remember your unit from last semester, and there seemed to be quite a bit of reading and writing for information included in your unit. Do you feel that the new ELA CCS will change how much ELA you will include in future lessons? There seemed to be a consensus among the specialty teachers that the new CCS will drastically change the cirriculum? What are your thoughts on this?
ReplyDeleteI dont really feel that the core curriculum standards will change what I do as a technology teacher. I already include reading and writing in my curriculum and will continue to do that. I hope the outcome of implementing the national standards be be positive- that they will produce better readers and writers, so that when they get to my class they are prepared to read expository texts and can use that information to solve problems and think critically.
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