CommonCore

Notice the slides in the center of the video about connections to Common Core

from Delaware, but great resources

Must-read: Paul digs into the history and backgrounds, and connections, of the corporate and policy players around the Common Core.

PARCC presents and discusses three innovative ELA item types: Evidence-based selected response (EBSR) - A traditional selected-response item will be followed by an item that asks students to show the text evidence that led them to the answer in the first item. Technology-enhanced constructed response (TECR) - These items will measure students' understanding of texts using technologies such as drag and drop, cut and paste, highlighting, and arranging items to show relationships. Range of prose constructed response (PCR) - These items will be essays that measure students' understanding of texts through written expression. Language conventions will also be measured. Each annual performance-based assessment will contain FOUR of these items. The Research Simulation Task The PARCC assessments will also include performance tasks that differ from traditional assessments in two ways. First, these tasks are designed to mirror and measure more real-world skills, such as research, synthesis, and writing. Second, the tasks will be completed over an extended length of time. For ELA, PARCC has described a research simulation as a sample of the performance task: In session 1, students will read an "anchor text," answer EBSR and TECR items about the text, and write a short summary of the text. In session 2, students will read two additional texts or sources and answer more EBSR and TECR items about them. Students will then synthesize their understanding of all three sources by writing an analytical essay.

Another good research tool for students

for the WSC course, perhaps?

This is the Grade 7 sample research section. Good for workshop

A critical look at the architect of the Common Core

Good use of a chart showing elements of PARCC

Some good handouts with informational text and guiding questions

The article is good for librarians but go to the bottom for the Five Things: good to remember

the results of a collaborative assignment around collecting informational texts

informational and media text sources to go with book