Special Report
Special Report

Rethinking Literacy

Reading in the Common-Core Era
November 14, 2012
The shifts in literacy instruction envisioned by the Common Core State Standards are among the biggest in recent decades. And they're far-reaching: All but four states have adopted the literacy guidelines. But whether the standards are shining a bright new light on reading or casting an ominous shadow over it remains a point of debate.
  • Prekindergartners at Calvin Rodwell Elementary School in Baltimore, above, listen to their teacher, Erika Parker, as she reads A Day at the Pumpkin Patch, a nonfiction book about visiting a farm. The book is part of a unit that aims to blend the reading of stories and nonfiction with learning outside the classroom. The day after the children read the book, they visited Summers Farm in Frederick, Md.
    Prekindergartners at Calvin Rodwell Elementary School in Baltimore, above, listen to their teacher, Erika Parker, as she reads <i>A Day at the Pumpkin Patch</i>, a nonfiction book about visiting a farm. The book is part of a unit that aims to blend the reading of stories and nonfiction with learning outside the classroom. The day after the children read the book, they visited Summers Farm in Frederick, Md.
    Greg Kahn for Education Week
    Reading & Literacy Scale Tips Toward Nonfiction Under Common Core
    To satisfy college and workplace demands, the standards' framers are telling schools to shift more attention to informational text.
    Catherine Gewertz, November 13, 2012
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    9 min read
    Diana Leddy works with kindergartners and 1st graders at the Blue School to complete writing, reading, and drawing exercises using scenes from the Dr. Seuss book The Lorax. Built in 1858, the one-room schoolhouse in Landaff, N.H., is using the book as a way to fuse lessons in writing and reading.
    Diana Leddy works with kindergartners and 1st graders at the Blue School to complete writing, reading, and drawing exercises using scenes from the Dr. Seuss book <i>The Lorax</i>. Built in 1858, the one-room schoolhouse in Landaff, N.H., is using the book as a way to fuse lessons in writing and reading.
    John Tully for Education Week
    Reading & Literacy Writing Undergoes Renaissance in Curricula
    The subject's ascent stems from its emphasis in the common core, feedback from colleges and the workplace, and emerging research.
    Catherine Gewertz, November 13, 2012
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    11 min read
    Differences can be seen in the 5th grade reading series that publishers produced in response to the common core.
    Differences can be seen in the 5th grade reading series that publishers produced in response to the common core.
    Nicole Frugé/Education Week
    Curriculum Retooled Textbooks Aim to Capture Common Core
    Basal readers rely more on analysis and documentation and less on students’ personal experiences.
    Stephen Sawchuk, November 13, 2012
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    12 min read
    Standards Common Standards Drive New Approaches to Reading
    Schools nationwide are revamping reading instruction, involving more disciplines and tilting toward nonfiction, among other changes.
    Catherine Gewertz, November 13, 2012
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    6 min read
    Reading & Literacy New Literacy Research Infuses Common Core
    In the 15 years since the National Reading Panel convened, researchers have learned a few things about teaching reading.
    Sarah D. Sparks, November 13, 2012
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    12 min read
    Sara Poeppelman, a science teacher at Lewis County High School in Vanceburg, Ky., incorporates reading and writing activities into her lessons.
    Sara Poeppelman, a science teacher at Lewis County High School in Vanceburg, Ky., incorporates reading and writing activities into her lessons.
    Bruce Crippen for Education Week
    Reading & Literacy Literacy Instruction Expected to Cross Disciplines
    The common standards require science, history/social studies, and other teachers to help their students' literacy development.
    November 13, 2012
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    10 min read
    Andrew Archuleta, a 4th grader at Emerson Elementary School in Albuquerque, N.M., raises his hand to ask a question about a writing assignment. Teachers at his school are piloting ways to help English learners master new reading and writing standards.
    Andrew Archuleta, a 4th grader at Emerson Elementary School in Albuquerque, N.M., raises his hand to ask a question about a writing assignment. Teachers at his school are piloting ways to help English learners master new reading and writing standards.
    Kitty Clark for Education Week
    Federal N.M. School Builds Bridge to Standards for ELLs
    An Albuquerque school focuses on making literacy standards accessible to all—including English-learners.
    Lesli A. Maxwell, November 13, 2012
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    10 min read
    Reading & Literacy States Target 3rd Grade Reading
    Many states now require the identification of struggling readers and, in some places, retaining them until their skills are up to par.
    November 13, 2012
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    4 min read