As I strive to be positive about the Common Core, I realize that I must also be realistic.
I will always do what is best for students, so articles about the Common Core fall into the “Must Read” category for me!
Making the shift from only reading for enjoyment to academic reading has to happen, but I would never want to dampen a child’s love of reading for pleasure! Joanne Yatvin shares the same concerns in her EdWeek post. The idea that anything outside of the Common Core should be completely eliminated just doesn’t sit right with me. There are also specific guidelines/approaches for teaching that don’t appear to include all of the research and best practices. That worries me, too.
Another huge concern of mine-spending (already drastically limited) funds on shiny new “Common Core Approved” packaged literature-is also addressed by Yatvin. I have never found an entire program that met the needs of all of my students or one that matched my teaching style. That is, after all, the main reason why I can justify being a master hoarder. There isn’t one awesome think, book, lesson, technology, or gimmick that is going to fit everyone! And I thought we were moving away from that!
Read the article here: http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2012/02/29/22yatvin.h31.html?tkn=VZOFXZVsu%2Fopuos8f9DGuC7vsAOc2NxXSJ00&cmp=clp-edweek
I’d love to hear what you think!
literacyeverywhere 
I’m not an academic, but as the parent of a toddler, I find what he’s discussing very disturbing. My current love of books derived from the fact I was allowed to enjoy a whole range, at my leisure.
In fact, I remember being in fourth grade the first time I remember being given a book to read and going, “Ugh, why are we reading non-fiction accounts of coal miners’ lives?” That’s a book I would’ve enjoyed maybe a half-decade down the road, but merely being given the book changed my understanding of reading.
And the thought of forcing analysis on kindergarteners? That’s the point where we’re supposed to be instilling a love of learning that’ll help them get through the tougher stuff to come!
Great points, Deborah! I have the same concerns. I know that awesome educators will always work tirelessly towards creating active and engaged readers, but I do worry about teachers who could be forced to teach from some prescribed curriculum. Ugh!
I always strive to be both positive and proactive. I’m hopeful, but keeping my eyes open!