Common Core Standards in Kansas: Advantages and Myths

1. Kansas Common Core Standards for English Language Arts and Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects

2. Rate your Common Core Knowledge 0 1 2 3 4 Scale: 0 -- This must have something to do with fruit, right? 1 -- Isn’t that those new English standards? I’ve heard something about those…didn’t we adopt them in Kansas? 2 -- I’ve heard some about them and I’ve at least scanned through the standards document. 3 -- I’ve thoroughly read through the math document and I could use the terms “strand,” “boxed subheading,” and “anchor standard” in proper context. 4 -- I know the document backwards and forwards; transitioning to these new standards will be a breeze! Source:

3. The Common Core State Standards Initiative • Beginning in the spring of 2009, Governors and state commissioners of education from 48 states, 2 territories and the District of Columbia committed to developing a common core of state K-12 English-language arts (ELA) and mathematics standards. • The Common Core State Standards Initiative (CCSSI) is a state-led effort coordinated by the National Governors Association (NGA) and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO). • The Kansas State Board of Education formally adopted the Common Core State Standards for mathematics and English language arts on October 12, 2010. • www.corestandards.org • http://www.ksde.org/kscommoncore

4. Rumor Control and “Burning Questions” • In small groups, take two to three minutes to brainstorm a list of rumors you’ve heard and/or “burning questions” that you have about the Common Core Standards. • I heard these standards will require second graders to read Steinbeck’s The Grape of Wrath. Is that true? (No.) • Aren’t these “national standards” and the first step toward a “national curriculum?” (Absolutely not.) • Were teachers involved in the creation of these standards? (Yes—including members of NEA, AFT, NCTE, IRA and a committee of teachers from here in Kansas) • Will new tests eventually be created to assess students on the standards? (Certainly, Kansas was due for new standards and new assessments anyway.) Source:

6. Document available at: http://www.ksde.org/Default.aspx?tabid=4605 Source: Transition timeline

7. Where to Find the Standards Document www.corestandards.org– in the upper right hand corner of the website, click on the “The Standards” tab. http://www.ksde.org/kscommoncore – in the blue banner near the top of the screen, click on “resources” Source:

8. Cover of ELA standards Source:

9. Kansas Advantages to Common Core Standards in ELA and Literacy • A focus on college and career readiness • Inclusion of the four strands of English Language Arts: • Reading • Writing • Listening and speaking • Language • The benefits of an integrated literacy approach – all Kansas educators have a shared responsibility for literacy instruction, regardless of discipline or content area. • A focus on results rather than means –“the Standards leave room for teachers, curriculum developers, and states to determine how those goals should be reached and what additional topics should be addressed” (p. 4). • Efficiencies of scale – common standards allow for greater collaboration among states in the areas of • Professional development • Resource development • Teaching tools

10. Hallmarks of College and Career Readiness in English Language Arts and Literacy In small groups, take two to three minutes to brainstorm a list of potential answers to the following question: When we think about English language arts and literacy, what skills are prerequisites for success in college and career?

11. Hallmarks of College and Career Readiness in English Language Arts and Literacy • College and Career Ready Students: • Demonstrate independence in “the 4 C’s” • Comprehend complex text • Critique the craft used to create text • Construct rich understandings of content • Convey multifaceted meaning • Build strong content knowledge through research and study • Respond to varying demands of audience, purpose, task, and discipline in writing and speaking • Adjust purpose • Appreciate nuance • Provide evidence as appropriate to the discipline • Use technology and digital media strategically and capably to deepen encounters with text and content and to present and share information • Come to understand other perspective and cultures Source: Adapted from “Students Who are College and Career Ready…” (page 7 of the Standards)

12. Key Advances for English Language Arts and Literacy Source: Reading • Balance of literature and informational texts • A focus on appropriate levels of text complexity Writing • Emphasis on argument and informative/explanatory writing • Writing about sources and supplying evidence for claims and ideas Standards for reading and writing in history/social studies, science, and technical subjects • Complement rather than replace content standards in those subjects • Shared responsibility of all educators regardless of discipline

13. Making Sense of the New Standards Document How is the organization and structure of this new document different from our previous standards documents?

14. Common Core Standards – English Language Arts K-12 The standards are organized into three main sections Standards for English Language Arts —and— Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects GRADES K-5 Standards for English Language Arts GRADES 6-12 Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects GRADES 6-12 Each section is divided into strands Reading Writing Speaking & Listening Language Reading Writing Speaking & Listening Language Reading Writing Each strand features grade-level standards that are anchored in college and career readiness standards

15. READING SPEAKING & LISTENING LANGUAGE WRITING 10 Anchor Standards for College and Career Readiness 10 Anchor Standards for College and Career Readiness 6 Anchor Standards for CCR 6 Anchor Standards for CCR English Language Arts and Literacy Standards “Roadmap” ELA Standards K-12 Literacy Standards 6-12 Literacy Standards 6-12 ELA Standards K-12 ELA Standards K-12 ELA Standards K-12 Found-ational Skills Inform Text Literary Text Hist. / S.S. Sci. / Tech Subj. K K K → → → → → → → → → → → → → → → → → K K K 1 1 1 → → → → → → → → → → → → → → → → → 1 1 1 2 2 2 → → → → → → → → → → → → → → → → → 2 2 2 3 3 3 → → → → → → 3 3 3 → → → → → → → → → → → 4 4 4 → → → → → → 4 → → → → → → → → → → → 4 4 5 5 5 → → → → → → 5 → → → → → → → → → → → 5 5 6 6 6 6 6 7 7 7 6-8 6-8 6-8 7 7 8 8 8 8 8 9-10 9-10 9-10 9-10 9-10 9-10 9-10 9-10 11-12 11-12 11-12 11-12 11-12 11-12 11-12 11-12

16. Common Core State Standards forEnglish Language Arts andLiteracy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects • College and Career Readiness (CCR) Standards – Overarching standards for each of four strands that are further defined by grade-specific standards • Reading – 10 standards • Writing – 10 standards • Speaking and Listening – 6 standards • Language – 6 standards

17. Common Core State Standards forEnglish Language Arts andLiteracy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects Strand • College and Career Readiness (CCR) Standards – Overarching standards for each of four strands that are further defined by grade-specific standards • Reading – 10 standards • Writing – 10 standards • Speaking and Listening – 6 standards • Language – 6 standards

18. Common Core State Standards forEnglish Language Arts andLiteracy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects Boxed Sub-heading • College and Career Readiness (CCR) Standards – Overarching standards for each of four strands that are further defined by grade-specific standards • Reading – 10 standards • Writing – 10 standards • Speaking and Listening – 6 standards • Language – 6 standards

19. Common Core State Standards forEnglish Language Arts andLiteracy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects Anchor Standard • College and Career Readiness (CCR) Standards – Overarching standards for each of four strands that are further defined by grade-specific standards • Reading – 10 standards • Writing – 10 standards • Speaking and Listening – 6 standards • Language – 6 standards

20. Common Core State Standards forEnglish Language Arts andLiteracy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects • Grade-Level Standards in English Language Arts • K-8, grade-by-grade • 9-10 and 11-12 grade bands for high school • Format highlights progression of standards across grades

21. Common Core State Standards forEnglish Language Arts andLiteracy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects Strand • Grade-Level Standards in English Language Arts • K-8, grade-by-grade • 9-10 and 11-12 grade bands for high school • Format highlights progression of standards across grades

22. Common Core State Standards forEnglish Language Arts andLiteracy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects Strand Abbreviation • Grade-Level Standards in English Language Arts • K-8, grade-by-grade • 9-10 and 11-12 grade bands for high school • Format highlights progression of standards across grades

23. Common Core State Standards forEnglish Language Arts andLiteracy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects Grade Levels • Grade-Level Standards in English Language Arts • K-8, grade-by-grade • 9-10 and 11-12 grade bands for high school • Format highlights progression of standards across grades

24. Common Core State Standards forEnglish Language Arts andLiteracy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects Boxed Sub-heading • Grade-Level Standards in English Language Arts • K-8, grade-by-grade • 9-10 and 11-12 grade bands for high school • Format highlights progression of standards across grades

25. Common Core State Standards forEnglish Language Arts andLiteracy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects Grade Level Standard • Grade-Level Standards in English Language Arts • K-8, grade-by-grade • 9-10 and 11-12 grade bands for high school • Format highlights progression of standards across grades

26. What is KSDE’s focus for implementing these standards? • Cross-walking our current standards with the common core • Moving content around to prepare for new assessments • Deciding on the new tested indicators so we can focus in on different skills • Reflecting on and improving instruction

27. So, what are the major changes in these standards and how do I need to begin to adjust instruction?

28. Overview of Reading Strand • Reading • Progressive development of reading comprehension; students gain more from what they read • Emphasize the importance of grade-level texts that are of appropriate difficulty and are increasingly sophisticated • Standards for Reading Foundational Skills (K-5) • Reading Standards for Literature (K-12) • Reading Standards for Informational Text (K-12) • Reading Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies (6-12) • Reading Standards for Literacy in Science and Technical Subjects (6-12) • All of these “sets” of grade-level reading standards are anchored by the College and Career Ready (CCR) Standards

29. CCR Anchor Standards for Reading Boxed Subheading CCR Standards for Reading appear on pages 10 and 35 of the Standards document. Key Ideas and Details 1. Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions drawn from the text. 2. Determine central ideas or themes of a text and analyze their development; summarize the key supporting details and ideas. 3. Analyze how and why individuals, events, and ideas develop and interact over the course of a text.

30. CCR Anchor Standards for Reading Boxed Subheading CCR Standards for Reading appear on pages 10 and 35 of the Standards document. Craft and Structure 4. Interpret words and phrases as they are used in a text, including determining technical, connotative, and figurative meanings, and analyze how specific word choices shape meaning or tone. 5. Analyze the structure of texts, including how specific sentences, paragraphs, and larger portions of the text (e.g., a section, chapter, scene, or stanza) relate to each other and the whole. 6. Assess how point of view or purpose shapes the content and style of a text.

31. CCR Anchor Standards for Reading Boxed Subheading CCR Standards for Reading appear on pages 10 and 35 of the Standards document. Integration of Knowledge and Ideas 7. Integrate and evaluate content presented in diverse media and formats, including visually and quantitatively, as well as in words. 8. Delineate and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, including the validity of the reasoning as well as the relevance and sufficiency of the evidence. 9. Analyze how two or more texts address similar themes or topics in order to build knowledge or to compare the approaches the authors take.

32. CCR Anchor Standards for Reading Boxed Subheading Text Complexity Model: (Appendix A) CCR Standards for Reading appear on pages 10 and 35 of the Standards document. Range of Reading and Level of Text Complexity 10. Read and comprehend complex literary and informational texts independently and proficiently.

33. How similar are these 10 anchor standards for reading to my current instruction?

34. What “holes” or gaps exist in my instruction that will need to be filled?

35. Overview of Writing Strand Writing • Expect students to compose arguments and opinions, informative/explanatory pieces, and narrative texts • Focus on the use of reason and evidence to substantiate an argument or claim • Emphasize ability to conduct research – short projects and sustained inquiry • Require students to incorporate technology as they create, refine, and collaborate on writing

36. CCR Anchor Standards for Writing Boxed Subheading CCR Standards for Writing appear on pages 18 and 41 of the Standards document. Text Types and Purposes 1. Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence. 2. Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content. 3. Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, well chosen details, and well-structured event sequences.

37. CCR Anchor Standards for Writing Boxed Subheading CCR Standards for Writing appear on pages 18 and 41 of the Standards document. Production and Distribution of Writing 4. Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. 5. Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach. 6. Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and to interact and collaborate with others.

38. CCR Anchor Standards for Writing Boxed Subheading CCR Standards for Writing appear on pages 18 and 41 of the Standards document. Research to Build and Present Knowledge 7. Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focused questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation. 8. Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, assess the credibility and accuracy of each source, and integrate the information while avoiding plagiarism. 9. Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.

39. CCR Anchor Standards for Writing Boxed Subheading CCR Standards for Writing appear on pages 18 and 41 of the Standards document. Range of Writing 10. Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of tasks, purposes, and audiences.

40. How similar are these 10 anchor standards for writing to my current instruction?

41. What “holes” or gaps exist in my instruction that will need to be filled?

42. Overview of Speaking and Listening Strand • Speaking and Listening • Focus on speaking and listening in a range of settings • Both formal and informal • Both small-groupand whole-class discussions • Emphasize effective communication practices • Require interpretation and analysis of message as presented through oral, visual, or multimodal formats Media and Technology are integrated throughout the standards.

43. CCR Anchor Standards for Speaking and Listening Boxed Subheading CCR Standards for Speaking and Listening appear on pages 22 and 48 of the Standards document. Comprehension and Collaboration Prepare for and participate effectively in a range of conversations and collaborations with diverse partners, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively. 2. Integrate and evaluate information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally. 3. Evaluate a speaker’s point of view, reasoning, and use of evidence and rhetoric.

44. CCR Anchor Standards for Speaking and Listening Boxed Subheading CCR Standards for Speaking and Listening appear on pages 22 and 48 of the Standards document. Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas 4. Present information, findings, and supporting evidence such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. 5. Make strategic use of digital media and visual displays of data to express information and enhance understanding of presentations. 6. Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and communicative tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate.

45. How similar are these six anchor standards for speaking and listening to my current instruction?

46. What “holes” or gaps exist in my instruction that will need to be filled?

47. Overview of the Language Strand Language • Include conventions for standards English grammar and usage to be applied in both writing and speaking • Highlight the importance of vocabulary acquisition through a mix of conversation, direct instruction, and reading to be addressed in context of reading, writing, speaking and listening

48. CCR Anchor Standards for Language Boxed Subheading CCR Standards for Language appear on pages 25 and 51 of the Standards document. Conventions of Standard English Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking. Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spellingwhen writing.

49. CCR Anchor Standards for Language Boxed Subheading CCR Standards for Language appear on pages 25 and 51 of the Standards document. Knowledge of Language 3. Apply knowledge of language to understand how language functions in different contexts, to make effective choices for meaning or style, and to comprehend more fully when reading or listening.

50. CCR Anchor Standards for Language Boxed Subheading CCR Standards for Language appear on pages 25 and 51 of the Standards document. Vocabulary Acquisition and Use 4. Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases by using context clues, analyzing meaningful word parts, and consulting general and specialized reference materials, as appropriate. 5. Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings. 6. Acquire and use accurately a range of general academic and domain-specific words and phrases sufficient for reading, writing, speaking, and listening at the college and career readiness level; demonstrate independence in gathering vocabulary knowledge when encountering an unknown term important to comprehension or expression.