Many people see the Common Core State Standards as a map showing teachers exactly what they have to do in the classroom. However, the reality is that the CCSS are more like guidelines than strict rules. They outline, grade by grade, what students should learn in English/language arts and math. When it comes to English, the Common Core suggests that as students get older, they read more nonfiction texts. Some people have taken this to mean that literature no longer exists in high schools, but that's not true. Teens can still read "Catcher in the Rye," "Lord of the Flies" and other classics – they just have to read more nonfiction to go along with it.
The Common Core reading list
The CCSS note that students will read 70 percent nonfiction and 30 percent fiction in high school, but they don't say which texts. In fact, the Standards mandate only that students read certain historic documents, like the Declaration of Independence. Outside of that, teachers have the freedom to choose which books they'll teach in class.
This format lets English teachers, many of whom are lovers of literature, create a reading list they think adequately introduces students to the literary canon. Teachers know which books exemplify the best of past works and how those have shaped writing after them.
Supporting skill development
While the Common Core is nearly silent when it comes to the books teachers should share with their students, it does provide educators with tools to help develop students' skills. From benchmarks that promote critical thinking to Standards that promote research, the CCSS act as a teacher's arsenal.
Curriculum written to align with the Common Core may provide even more tools for teaching college and career readiness skills, such as problem solving, critical thinking and reading for evidence. Having tools to guide class discussion frees teachers up to plan lessons and share their love of literature.
Combining literature and nonfiction
Educators have to teach more nonfiction under the Common Core, but how they incorporate it into lessons is up to them. Students can study a nonfiction book, or read articles that relate to a piece of literature they're reading. This flexibility lets teachers be creative in the way they implement the Standards.
While the Common Core has brought changes to classrooms, such as an increase in nonfiction reading, teachers still have the freedom to use their creativity and teach the books they love.
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