Common Core in Action, 20

Edutopia posted an article a few days ago on how two science teachers have been implementing common core into their classroom. These teachers have used a model called Literacy Design Collaborative (LDC), which focuses on reading text and writing about them. The LDC has Common Core already implemented into them, and Katie Abole has been using this method for her science class in New York. She had her class read an actual journal article and used graphic organizers and outlines to analyze the article. After doing so, the children were asked to write an argumentative piece on the question. She claims that balancing literacy with traditional science activities is the key to keep students engaged. Katie claims that because the topic was interesting and relevant to the students they wanted to argue and engage in conversation. I think that Katie's reasoning for balancing literacy with traditional science activities is a great approach for the classroom. Students are going to stay engaged and attentive when every lesson is different. Also, like Katie suggested, picking topics that relate particularly to students in the classroom will help keep them engaged and wanting to participate and learn. I think that Katie's advice to start small should be everyone's approach to the new Common Core Standards that are being implemented. There is no rush to implement all this at once. I think by gradually implementing these standards, students, parents, and teachers are more likely to be open to changes and understand the real goal and purpose.