Chapter 4- The Power of Representation & Common Core

One of the most resounding themes of this week's reading was the ability to connect learning across disciplines. Digital Media Literacy provides the avenue to transfer cross-curricular learning skills, as well as support the Common Core initiatives and goals.

In Key Shifts in Language Arts, Common Core aims to direct students to regular practice with more complex texts and their associated academic language. As recent high school graduates enter college more ill-prepared than ever, it is imperative to focus our efforts on supporting literacy development through the Common Core initiative.

"Language is the most fundamental symbol system of humanity and every student needs to appreciate how powerful it is in shaping our understanding of ourselves and the world around us."

The above quote was taken from chapter 4 of our text, and furthermore proves why digital media literacy supports Common Core efforts to grow their vocabularies through a mix of conversation, direct instruction, and reading. It's important to provide various avenues for learning new words, in which assimilation and accommodation take place.

My Stance on Common Core

My knowledge of Common Core is still developing, as is my take on it. I believe that the notion of providing the same education and standards for every child is wonderful. The idea of Common Core aligns perfectly with what I believe in--which is an egalitarian society. Living in a rural area has taught me firsthand that there are social and educational injustice in this nation, and I'm glad that we are finally tackling this persisting problem.

However, as with any good idea, it has its flaws and will need to be revised over time. I think I speak for most teachers when I say that standardized testing is not the answer. I do not believe that there is any ONE way to measure all students' progress. I have always believed and will maintain that differentiated instruction is necessary because we are all unique in our own ways. Just as there are many different learning styles, I too believe that there should be "testing styles."

Regardless of my position on standardized testing, I realize that the United States will not accept or adopt new and innovative learning goals without some way to measure its success. A lot of people believe in accountability and they believe that the only way to measure that accountability is through testing.

As with any piece of legislation, it's necessary to appeal to both sides of the table and I believe this is precisely what the creators of the Common Core were attempting to do. They left room for states and local districts to make decisions in regards to reading lists and such.

However, I do believe that Common Core is an infinitely better alternative to NCLB--which proved to be a disaster as states were required to create their own criterion-based tests. This made it impossible to compare state-to-state education programs, thus creating reduced educational opportunities in several states. In my opinion, NCLB was the absolute worst piece of legislation and even contributed to our growing number of people in living in poverty.