CCSS and Chapter One

This wasn't my first time seeing the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), but it was my first time reading through them. It was a lot to take in and I like having a learning objective available. I like that it's something that I can refer to and build my own curriculum off of. I thought that the Chapter The CCSS for English Language Arts Instruction in Grades 6-12 was useful in understanding why the CCSS are so important for teachers. I found it interesting that the reason the educations system adopted these standards was for Obama's Grant. However, I do like having some freedom to plan a curriculum for my students. While I do agree that the standards need to be directed to 21st Century curriculum like "life and career skills, critical thinking, communication, collaboration, creativity, technology, and information/media literacy," I do think that if we wanted to approach education with this mindset, we would have to always be adapting and editing the curriculum; because, things are always changing and adapting, and that's what we would have to do with it. I liked the idea of the P21, and creating a new classroom environment. I believe this to be very important towards students’ education. It would allow them to grow in a different, yet educational, environment.

My personal opinion is that we need some guidelines of a curriculum that will allow teachers to fulfill the requirements that are being asked of us. I don't think that tossing the CCSS aside is the answer, rather involve them in this new curriculum, so everyone will be given similar education experiences.

Closing question: What do you think about CCSS? And what do you think needs to change?