Blog Post #2: Teaching to Exceed The English Language Arts Common Core State Standards

As a preservice teacher, the Common Core State Standards already play a role in the way I think about curriculum in the English language arts classroom. However, my experience with the CCSS has been limited to simply reviewing standards and plugging them into lesson plan assignments. This article details what the CCSS mean and how, as a preservice teacher, I can use these broad standards to create an innovative, captivating curriculum that will enhance instruction in my discipline.  

A key point this chapter brings up is that it is necessary for teachers to see the many benefits of implementing Common Core into the classroom by looking at the big picture. It is easy to see the many limitations to a standards-based approach and there are reasons that adopting standards may actually lower achievement, however, regardless of the difficulties and potential issues associated with incorporating Common Core into our instruction, it is what we are being asked to do. I really like the fact that this chapter encourages teachers to view standards as a general goal that they must help their students achieve by creating relevant and engaging curriculum. In order for students to successfully master CCSS teachers must passionately commit to making informed decisions about how and what they teach. One thing I found particularly interesting about the literary practices approach mentioned in this chapter is that it draws on the need to redesign classrooms to create what is referred to as "passionate affinity spaces."

One of the most critical points this article brings up is the fact that standards-based instruction is limited in its ability to address one of the most important issues facing the American education system—the achievement gap between middle-class white students and non-dominant students. As the economic inequality in America continues to increase so does the number of students living in poverty. There are many things that need to be done in terms of policy and action, and Common Core is only a piece of the puzzle in narrowing America's achievement gap. Therefore, teachers need to be champions for their students both in and out of the classroom by advocating for educational policies that work and adequate access to food, housing and resources.