My Response to "The Common Care State Standards for English Language Arts Instruction in Grades 6-12"

Hello Readers.

Aspiring to become a teacher, I've heard the terminology of common core. Not really knowing what is stood for or what it even was, I left it up to friends -who are teachers- that are already implementing the standard into their course work for their students'. From what I've heard, common core will take some getting used to. This chapter really spells out what common core standards mean and how as teachers, we can decipher the difference between ‘standardizing’ and ‘high expectations’. To me, the paragraphs discussing the difference between standardizing and high expectations given through the common core template helped define what common core means to students and how teachers can help facilitate learning through the common core standards. Living in a society where testing seems to be the most important aspect in education, common core gives teachers the tools to try and change that stigma. Growing up, I remember testing often and absolutely hating it because I knew it was something that was important and if I didn’t do well then there would be repercussions. This is partly why I love the idea of English classes. The mere fact that I’m better expressive through vocal and written language helps me when it comes to receiving a grade in an English course. Rather than having a multiple choice test that has answers close to one another but a student must choose the answer that is the ‘best’ answer just infuriates me. Lets allow students who are not particularly great at testing the option for written work so that their voice can be heard while answering questions. Some explain the process of choosing an answer better than filling in an “A”, “B”, “C”, “D”. Variety while testing learning helps stimulate growth within me rather than studying the same things over-and-over again. In this chapter we experience how colleagues ignore Kyle’s need for change through variety because the state board decided on standardizing the English department. Rather than reading the same “dead white guy” in every class, why isn’t there variety within the English departments? Why have I not read books from James Baldwin until this quarter; my senior year in college? This chapter made me question my voice within the educational realm and whether or not my voice would be heard. As teachers, we must remember why we are getting into the profession, to help future generations better not only themselves, but also to better society. Don’t let bureaucracy cloud your mind.

Cheers.

Ryan