Pomperaug Regional School District 15

The ELA Standards include nine standards focused on reading comprehension and one related to text complexity.  Standards are developed for Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening, Language, and Media Technology.  For an overview of the key points go to: 
http://www.corestandards.org/about-the-standards/key-points-in-english-language-arts

In addition, the ELA Standards include expectations for literacy in the content areas and specific standards have been developed for grades 6-12 social studies, science, and technical subjects.

The emphasis in the reading standards is on reading closely and interacting with increasingly more difficult text.  Comprehension standards require students to make connections with-in text and between text while analyzing and synthesizing text and using text evidence to demonstrate understanding.  The emphasis on non-fiction is significant with a 50/50 split expected in elementary school and increasing significantly in middle school and high school.

In writing, the Common Core is built around the ideas of “text types and purposes, production and distribution of writing and research to build and present knowledge.”  Again, a marked shift toward non-fiction is evident with even very young students writing to argue or inform.  Expectations for research include both shorter pieces and more substantial work.  Technology and digital media are integrated throughout.

The ELA document is nearly 400 pages long but do not be scared off by its size.  It is organized in an easy to read manner and has some helpful appendices which include student work samples.  To view the full standards document go to: 
http://www.corestandards.org/assets/CCSSI_ELA%20Standards.pdf.