We must balance increased freedom in how we can address the new standards with a deeper understanding of these very specific measures. We must ensure learning is rigorous but also connects students to the real world and prepares them for life, college and career.
For this year's TED Talks unit, I aligned it to the Common Core standards (3) focus on argument instead of persuasion. It's a slight difference, to be sure, but it's key. Argument demands a more rigorous attention to citing concrete evidence over making emotional pleas.
stressing the importance of communication is no longer limited to English class. All classes must find a way to use these skills to communicate subject matter expertise
student choice in the product and caters to different modalities. And each highlights the ability to communicate content over the simple regurgitation of learned information.
Interesting connection between the CCSS and technology, will it move us more into the "commercial boxes" or open the gates to innovative uses of digital technologies. I'm hoping we stay out of the boxes.
Common Sense Media partnered with Teaching Channel to produce this series of nine videos spotlighting how our lessons meet critical ELA Common Core standards for middle school. Check them out for inspiration from teachers and students in New York City and San Francisco Bay Area public schools. See how our lessons align and view the standards on the Common Core State Standards website.