The Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts instruction in Grades 6 – 12

Prior to joining the education program I was like most people who believed that Common Core Standards would be the downfall of education. I believed that initiating standards would standardize the educational system in America. An effect of these standards in my mind would cause more teachers to teach in preparation for national tests rather than to make students effective learners. That myth was quickly shattered as I realized how many interesting and creative lesson plans used the same Common Core Standards. Common Core is not meant to hold an educator back but rather guide them as they create curriculum for their classrooms. This is something that has proven difficult for me as I have begun to craft my own lessons. The standards ask you to help students build skills not suggesting any way for the educator to do that. On top of all the other skills a teacher needs to be effective they must also be creative enough to make effective lessons that will be most effective in their specific classroom. As I get closer to becoming an educator, I know it will be important to pay attention to my creative peers and research ideas that I can use in my own classroom. There are so many skills that a person must develop to become an effective teacher it can sometimes become overwhelming. I know that skills will be developed through student teacher and as I learn more in my education courses.

Overall, I found this chapter to be very interesting and insightful about Common Core. I have never read in detail about some of the shortcomings of Common Core so it was interesting to see what I will need to look out for as I use the standards in my classroom. Using Common Core may be challenging but I know the standards are in place to help me help my students to become effective learners.