Running Head: IMPLEMENTING THE COMMON CORE STANDARDS IN LANGUAGE

ARTS

Implementing the Common Core Standards in Language Arts

Christie L. Curran
National University

IMPLEMENTING THE COMMON CORE STANDARDS IN LANGUAGE ARTS

Abstract
The following paper discusses the shift to common core that is taking place and the research
that supports how it will benefit students. It also discusses what should be considered when
implementing the standards in an English language arts classroom. Finally, it discusses how
I have implemented the reading, writing, listening and speaking standards in an activity on a
unit featuring the short story Rikki-tikki-tavi by Rudyard Kipling.

IMPLEMENTING THE COMMON CORE STANDARDS IN LANGUAGE ARTS

Implementing the Common Core Standards in Language Arts

Across America, most districts have shifted from implementing their own states content
standards to integrating the common core standards in the classroom. This shift to common core
will benefit students because the standards were designed to define the knowledge and skills
students should have to succeed in entry-level, credit-bearing, academic college courses in the
work force training programs (Groenke, 2011, 1). Prior to this, colleges were finding that
American students who had focused on their state content standards were not prepared for the
academic rigor in terms of the research and writing that colleges require. There is a discussion
taking place in states debating the benefits that implementing the standards will bring. However,
supporters state that the standards will benefit students because they are rigorous, encourage
high-order thinking skills, and build upon the strengths and lessons of current state standards
(Groenke, 2011, p. 1).
Jonathan Budd (2011, p. 2) argues that implementing common core standards will further
benefit our students by making rigorous content available to all students that, not just those in
advanced classes. He said through his observations of the classroom, he found that students in
lower-tracked courses experienced less thoughtful and more teacher dependent curricula that
didnt foster creativity or inspire motivation and engagement (Budd, 2011, p. 2). Budd (2011, p.
3) states that when implementing the common core standards in the classroom it is important that
teachers try to weave together the categories of reading writing, listening, and speaking to the
greatest possible extent to enhance the learning of our students.
In implementing the common core standards in my own language arts classes, I agree
with Groenke that the common core will help develop higher level thinking skills in our students.
One way that I am implementing common core standards in my own classroom is through

IMPLEMENTING THE COMMON CORE STANDARDS IN LANGUAGE ARTS

utilizing study questions from achievethecore.org website which challenge students and require
them to cite text evidence to support their answers. Learning how to effectively implement text
evidence in their responses will benefit students because as they proceed with their education and
careers, they will need to cite evidence to support their arguments or to prove points in
presentations. Finding the language necessary to incorporate text evidence into their writing can
be difficult for some students which is why I feel it is important for them to practice this skill in
assignments. In addition, as Budd stated, this assignment is beneficial because it incorporates all
areas of the standards. Reading and writing are usually easily incorporated into the classroom.
However, by requiring students to discuss the content with their classmates, they are also
practicing listening and speaking skills. I have included sentence frames in the directions to aid
them in effectively communicating their ideas. Some of the questions in this study guide are
challenging for students. By discussing the content with their peers, not only will students better
internalize it, but conversations with their classmates may also clarify misconceptions they had
regarding the content, or could help offer a different viewpoint or understanding. I end the
listening and speaking activity by discussing answers to questions with students as a class to help
ensure students receive clarification needed before moving on.

IMPLEMENTING THE COMMON CORE STANDARDS IN LANGUAGE ARTS

References
Budd, J.S. (2011). The common core standards: Using the power wisely. English Leadership
Quarterly, 34.2, 2-4.
Groenke, S. (2011). Common core state standards for English/language arts. English
Leadership Quarterly, 34.2, 1.