What does it mean to be College and Career Ready? I understand through our discussion on Monday, that the concept of literacy is something that exists on a continuum. Therefore it becomes difficult to pin down the precise moment one has reached this level of CCR. Everyone who has anything to do with the humanities can validate the subjective nature of the discipline. English does not have the same ability to be quantified as math or science. So, with this in aspect kept in mind, it becomes vital to apply a little common sense. For one to be College and Career Ready, they must possess an ability to read and write with a certain level of complexity and have mastery of a vocabulary which contains a fair smattering of multisyllabic words. The most import part of this CCR is for one to be able to ascertain meaning from written material and for one to be able to communicate their thoughts through written language as well.
What else may be important as an english teacher to convey to students with regards to literacy. I would like for my students to understand the true power of the written word. Through writing humans achieve immortality. They can pass on information and influence others thinking. The written word can transport a reader to alternate worlds or achieve time travel. The written word can help us assemble a kitchen appliance. To achieve mastery over written language, one suddenly has a voice and the ability to influence and change the world!
I have thought about your comment in class--paraphrasing here: "why is it that English and other humanities are thought of as less than the hard sciences?" My gut reaction was that they are not, but that is because of my whole-hearted bias, and that I have spent the last year and a half writing lesson plans that have to point out which part of the "language & history standard" that each plan addresses.
ReplyDeleteOutside of the English teacher world (a quick websurf about education in general) there is certainly more run given to STEM subjects than English. Thanks for opening my eyes--I hope we can all learn to be advocates for English and other liberal arts, or else I'm afraid this brave new world is going to start disconnecting further from a society having a strong footing in language...maybe then the media focus will include English and other liberal arts.