Thursday,+December+6,+2012

**December 6, 2012**


Today's Meet Link for December Meeting: @http://todaysmeet.com/ELAK-5Forum

**NYSED Updates**
The adoption of the CCLS signaled the need for educators to shift instruction to prepare students in accordance with these new, rigorous standards. In order to best assess student learning of the CCLS, NYSED has developed new Grade 3-8 Common Core English Language Arts and Mathematics Tests. These new tests will be administered beginning in the spring 2013 and assess only CCLS. The Test Guides for English Language Arts and Mathematics will address the following topics for each grade:
 * Grades 3-8 Assessment Guides:**
 * The instructional shifts demanded by ELA and Mathematics CCLS;
 * How ELA and Mathematics are conceptualized in the CCLS;
 * How the 2013 Common Core ELA and Mathematics Tests differ from previous New York State Tests;
 * The 2013 Common Core ELA and Mathematics Test content and design; and
 * The new CCLS rubrics for short and extended constructed response questions.

NYSED has created a tool to help understand what the "shifts" look like in practice and help both teachers and principals understand the connection between implementation of the Common Core and the APPR process. The tools can be accessed here.

**K-5 Curriculum Modules**

 * Merging the CCLS with Existing Literacy Practices:** This document, through a description of critical components of a comprehensive literacy program, supports educators in evaluating their current literacy programs and in making informed decisions regarding any necessary adjustment of literacy program and practice. It is designed to inform and assist schools and districts in rational and careful consideration regarding adoption of the Core Knowledge Language Arts New York Edition (CKNY) for Pre K- 2.

Trade Book Lists for the CCLS Curriculum Modules are now available.

**Instructional Focus: Text Complexity and Close Reads**

 * Text Complexity in the CCLS**
 * Text Complexity Worksheet (PDF)**
 * Text Complexity Rubric - Informational**
 * Text Complexity Rubric - Literary**
 * East is East Sample**
 * Grade 8 Reading Sample**

Deconstructing a Close Read: The Great Fire Helping Students Read Closely (From Expeditionary Learning Materials) Guide to Creating Text Dependent Questions for Close Reads