The Role of CIRLI in Implementing the Common Core State Standards

The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) are designed to provide a consistent, clear understanding of what students are expected to learn, so teachers and parents know what they need to do to help them. The standards are “designed to be robust and relevant to the real world, reflecting the knowledge and skills that our young people need for success in college and careers” (www.corestandards.org).
  • Not only are high level skills explicitly required for students in English Language Arts and Math but literacy skills in History/Social Studies, Science and Technical Subjects, and Writing are also required in grades 6-12.
  • Students who are college and career-ready are to demonstrate complex reading, writing, speaking, listening and language skills across content areas in addition to mathematical “processes and proficiencies.”
“Teachers know best about what works in the classroom… these standards establish what students need to learn…schools and teachers will decide how best to help students reach the standards” (www.corestandards.org).
Involving students as active learners engaged in critically analyzing real life issues dovetails perfectly with the skills and goals of the CCSS. CIRLI assignments across disciplines can very effectively target the essential CCSS skills of ANALYSIS, RESEARCH AND WRITING in real world context. CIRLI assignments and activities readily meet CCSS Anchor standards including:
  • Reading for comprehension
  • Integrating and evaluating content
  • Analyzing and evaluating arguments
  • Writing arguments to support analysis
  • Publishing, using technology
  • Using speaking, listening and vocabulary skills
  • Using key mathematical practices
Because the CIRLI model intends to affect student attitudes and behavior, it is important that the infused lessons engage students in the learning process. The CIRLI methodology stresses prevention lessons that involve students as active learners who critically analyze real life situations. Wherever feasible, CIRLI involves students in community prevention efforts through service-learning, which is directly connected to the standards’ call for relevance.
In creating standards based lessons, teachers demonstrate best practice when they start with the standards then build objectives, assignments and assessments that show student progress toward and ultimate achievement of target skills and knowledge. The following samples show this alignment not only to standards but to the CIRLI model’s support of such best practice lessons.
 Free 5 CPDU online workshop through Northeastern Illinois University’s College of Education
 
Integrate pressing life issues into classes across the curriculum to effectively engage students in learning and support social emotional growth
 
CLICK HERE to access the online workshop
 
No need to come to a training.  Download and complete the online workshop at your own pace