¡Common Core Death Match!
Dear Common Core:
I know I’ve been ignoring you. The truth of the matter is that I’ve never been all that interested in you. In fact, there’s something about you that leaves me feeling, well, just a little bit sleepy. In other words CC—can I call you CC?—the problem isn’t you, it’s me, or at least that’s what your devoted fans are so quick to imply should my opinion shade the slightest bit critical. But I’m starting to wonder if I may have misjudged you, CC. I think we need to talk….
I know I’ve been ignoring you. The truth of the matter is that I’ve never been all that interested in you. In fact, there’s something about you that leaves me feeling, well, just a little bit sleepy. In other words CC—can I call you CC?—the problem isn’t you, it’s me, or at least that’s what your devoted fans are so quick to imply should my opinion shade the slightest bit critical. But I’m starting to wonder if I may have misjudged you, CC. I think we need to talk….
Our troubles started when a New York City teacher shared with me this Grade 11 English Language Arts pre-assessment that was designed with you in mind. Oh it all sounds innocent enough. Students must read an excerpt from an informational text (I’m sure I don’t have to tell you what one of these is, CC) along with two poems, then determine which genre best conveys the reality of life in an impoverished Indian community, making their case in an *argument essay* in accordance with 12 helpfully provided guidelines. Will it be the excerpt from Katherine Boo’s outstanding informational text, Behind the Beautiful Forevers, or will Imtiaz Dharker’s poetry reign supreme? Will informational texts finally
