Blog Post #6 - CCSS for Writing and Language and NES 88-129

Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for writing shift from Grade 5 to Grade 6. Grade 5 focuses on students being able to structure a paragraph and essay of their own opinions in an expository piece as well as develop narratives. After Grade 6, the focus shifts to more argumentative and persuasive essays while expanding on expository papers that are more complex than before. Although Narratives still take part in the type of writing, in schools, I find there is little to know emphasis on narrative and creative writing as they are not deemed as important to teachers for future development and success in school and work. Most of the time, this is the case, but I find being able to make one's own narratives assists in creating the students' abilities to think and imagine situations as well as solutions to problems. Outside an ELA classroom, the writing standards build upon ideas of conducting research and expressing the research as well as the implications of said research in the form of a paper, which also includes graphs and visuals. Producing visual literacy is a part of writing/creating a piece of text/literature. 

In terms of language, CCSS encompasses writing and speaking with an emphasis on knowing the proper use of language and understanding why certain patterns of sentences and certain words/phrases may be more beneficial. Sentence variety, which was something my teachers frequently discussed in secondary school, is made to not only know the structure of different base sentences and clauses but being able to differentiate the best type of sentence to use to express an idea. 

Both language and writing are not limited to ELA classes. Papers, essays, and short responses are used in every kind of class. Speaking is also a class and grade universal. Being able to use language in writing and speaking are skills needed for every aspect of school and in every workplace. Communication is an essential skill in modern society and the way CCSS express the goals of writing and language reflects this idea by stating that speaking and research are necessary to be taught as a part of language and writing.