CCSS

     When it came to CCSS (Common Core State Standards) and first hearing about them in the education program, I went "Oh great, the government with its all-reaching power has its hands all over the classroom." I despise being micro-managed, especially in this situation with an entity that is not even in the classroom to see the different types of students there are that present different challenges. Coming in with this negative attitude, I did not expect to find much for me to like about the CCSS. However, reading about it on the website under Myths and the other page, What Parents Should Know, and lastly the handout given to us have left me with a better outlook on adhering to CCSS.
     The website was helpful by providing me with information that I previously did not have. The premise of the standards always made sense, to have a uniform set of standards that every state should adhere to ensure that each student gets an equal education that helps them throughout life. However, I always thought that this uniformity was ensured by making educators teach a certain way or only certain things, while the administration, in turn, were just wardens to this grand plan. The other concern I had was actually the top myth, where the standards were set to the lowest common denominator and thus progress was halted and eager learners were held back. Instead, I was delighted to find out that it is, in fact, the higher achieving standards that are set, so that there are goals to reach and it does not grow a sense of complacency.
     The article itself was helpful with the case study since it was a thought-provoking exercise. It also deals with the ELA section and provides insight into how to approach these standards without being a robot. The learning in the 21st century is especially helpful since it promotes critical thinking skills, which are always useful in any setting, especially including outside of school. This is the area I want to focus on in my own classroom, so having it in this article is a great boost of confidence.