This memorandum presents results from a scan of states' English language arts (ELA) standards for writing, with specific attention to references of cursive writing. This work was conducted by the Center on Standards and Assessment Implementation (CSAI). Using information posted on public web sites for each state and the District of Columbia, the…

This column includes activities inspired by children's literature. Elementary students are beginning to understand the Earth's natural processes and humans' impact on the Earth. Humans need the natural resources that the Earth produces, use these resources to develop civilizations, and make decisions to offset the damage they cause, as well as…

The Common Core State Standards for Mathematics (CCSSM) was published in 2010 and includes a complete collection of standards that are published and reviewed as a "common core" in which math skills have been extensively adopted. The recommendations provided have been entirely or partially adapted by more than 47 states of the US.…

In this article, the author employs a critical analysis of a short story with cross-cultural themes to illustrate how it is framed in a widely used textbook aligned with the Common Core State Standards. The author shows how the inclusion of literature by authors of color in any curriculum does not necessitate that the needs of racially,…

Successful implementation of academic standards depends on teachers' understanding of the intended policy and their interpretation of what the policy means for their instruction (Spillane et al., 2002). This study examines the writing tasks fourth- and fifth- grade teachers understand as being aligned with the CCSS [Common Core State Standards],…

Mathematical modeling has been highlighted recently as Common Core State Standards for Mathematics (CCSSM) included Model with Mathematics as one of the Standards for Mathematical Practices (SMP) and a modeling strand in the high school standards. This common aspect of standards across most states in the United States intended by CCSSM authors and…

Mathematical modeling has taken on increasing curricular importance in the past decade due in no small measure to the Common Core State Standards in Mathematics (CCSSM) identifying modeling as one of the Standards for Mathematical Practice (SMP 4, CCSSI 2010, p. 7). Although researchers have worked on mathematical modeling (Lesh and Doerr 2003;…

While teachers in many states are implementing the Common Core State Standards, increased attention is being paid to supporting teachers through professional development, especially for meeting standards involving digital literacy. This study explores the influence of targeted professional development, the Support, Time, Access, and Knowledge…

This study examines teachers' perceptions about digital literacy instruction in early elementary school grades (e.g., Kindergarten through grade 2) so as to identify existing obstacles to digital literacy instruction as well as support systems necessary to enhance instruction. Participants (n = 37) included Kindergarten, first, and second grade…

Financial skills, like mathematical ones, must be built on a firm foundation. Whether one is putting money in a piggy bank or a 401(k), and purchasing a toy car or a real one, everyone needs the understanding of financial issues and math skills necessary for making sound decisions. The elementary classroom is the perfect place to introduce…

Recently adopted state standards for middle grades and high school mathematics content have an increased emphasis on statistical topics. With this change, teacher education programs may need to adapt how they prepare preservice secondary mathematics teachers (PSMTs) to teach statistics and require measures related to statistics teaching to assess…

High-quality professional development is needed to prepare teachers to help students learn how to conduct online academic research and meet Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts. This study created and evaluated a Web-based professional development program with five instructional modules designed to prepare middle-school teachers…

The following article explores the "hot topics" in literacy for 2018, keeping the tradition of the "What's hot in literacy" survey that was first published in 1997. Expert panelists from around the globe provided insight into current trends and issues in the field of literacy, resulting in digital and disciplinary literacies…

This study investigated how eleven secondary mathematics teachers used curriculum resources to plan and enact lessons that support the participation of emergent bilingual (EB) students in mathematical practices in their linguistically diverse classrooms. EB students classified as English Learners often experience mathematics as a set of…

This study utilized a nonequivalent quantitative quasi-experimental design to determine whether guided reading in Spanish (L1) and English (L2) makes a difference in Spanish-speaking English language learners (ELLs) reading ability in L1 and L2. Archival data from 2016-2017 was used to determinate if guided reading in L1 and L2 improve the…