ELA Common Core State Standards

Common Core standards have a lot of controversy around them meaning no one actually seems to have any idea what they are and how they operate within schools. Math common core is the most commonly known and discussed implementation of common core standards, leaving the English Language Arts (ELA) standards without a lot of discussion. After working with and trying and, most of the time, successfully using the Common Core state standards (CCSS) within my own lessons I see how unrestrictive they really are. The CCSS are simply guides to what the lesson or unit will be accomplishing in teaching students. How I choose to approach those skills and standards within lessons is up to me as the teacher, not the standards. CCSS are benchmarks that we as teachers work to get students to not how to get them there. The standards represent skills that students are learning through lessons and units create by the teachers.

By implementing a standards-based approach to schools across the country teachers will be able to share more lessons, ideas, and tips and tricks for teaching students the skills with CCSS. While some may not be thrilled with the idea of CCSS be used in their schools, the standards actually open the doors for potentially phenomenal learning environments for students.  I know that when I was in high school, as CCSS were new and about to be implemented, I wasn’t excited about the idea of the standards being put into schools. I had only heard about common core from parents who didn’t understand what it was and how it worked within the schools. Now I have worked with and learned more about CCSS and how useful and helpful they can be within the classrooms. I now see how useful and advantageous the use of the Common Core state standards can be and have been within the classroom.