Teaching Content and Literacy

 

            The Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts has been affected by key shifts in Language Arts and Literacy. The purpose of the literacy standards are to complement the content areas, not replace them. The problem is the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts and Literacy do not match the standards that states presently use. These key shifts affect teachers and ELLs with the notion that content, and literacy should be taught simultaneously. The key targeted areas in Language and Literacy focus on the six domains of oral language, phonological awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency and comprehension. These domains facilitate reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language in content areas. However, the key shift changes require teachers to actively involve all students, to simplify the learning process, and to make content literacy knowledge observable to all. Teachers are required to carefully create structured situations where students can solve problems independently. Rather than rely on adults, students are encouraged to find answers by themselves.

There were six key shifts mentioned in the article that involved key targeted skills in Language and Literacy. Research by John, C. (2009) states,

While government literacy strategies propose a unity of practice, this small-scale study illustrates how these can mask diverse pupil experience at individual class level; particular teaching styles prevail in framing the reading process for children in what can be starkly different ways. (p.10)

The first shift requires a balance of informational and literary texts to build content knowledge and exposure to the world through reading. The second shift builds content knowledge through text and finding evidence. The third shift challenges students with more complex texts to prepare for college. Scaffolded listening exercises and strategies are provided to students. The fourth shift requires text-based answers. Students are to engage in arguments while citing evidence to support their claim. The fifth shift requires students to develop skills through written arguments by organizing text to persuade and comparing multiple sources. Lastly, the sixth shift requires students to constantly build their vocabulary to access more complex texts.

            There are various opportunities the standards pose for ELLs. According to Lafond (2012) we can determine that, “The shifts have important implications for ELLs. Most importantly, ELLs need to be involved in the learning and taking part in a way that allows them to experience hands-on, student-centered learning.” ELLs will boost their experience in the classroom by engaging and not just watching the other students interact. They will also have the opportunity to be in cooperative group settings that involve them in the learning process. In addition, the opportunity to be accountable is not overlooked. Students must take risks and problem solve to be compatible in real life circumstances and prepare for college.

            In summary, the various challenges of reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language in their respective field standards pose for ELLs are a shared responsibility. Teachers of all subjects are expected to use their expertise to help students meet these challenges. This implies that both content and literacy are taught at the same time. Thus, giving ELLs an opportunity to improve their literacy skills while learning content knowledge. Instead of the traditional method of teaching where the teacher is the only one who knows the correct answer, students have an opportunity to discover the answer. This opportunity allows students to retain knowledge while improving the comprehension of concepts.

 

 

 

 

References

John, C. (2009). Reading lessons: teacher–pupil interactions with text during three KS1 shared reading sessions. Literacy, 43(3), 123–133. https://doi-org.belhaven.idm.oclc.org/10.1111/j.1741-4369.2009.00537.x

Lafond, Susan. (2012, April 25). Common Core and ELLs: Key Shifts in Language Arts and Literacy (Part II). Www.colorincolorado.org. https://www.colorincolorado.org/article/common-core-and-ells-key-shifts-language-arts-and-literacy-part-ii#h-key-shifts-and-ells

 

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