Death Match 2014: Fiction Vs. Non-Fiction

Photo courtesy of: Regonold via photopin cc

 

 

I've been writing a bit about the Common Core Standards (set to take effect in 2014) and the impact they could have on how English/Language Arts is taught, especially at the secondary level. I encourage you to read my thoughts here and here.

 

A Facebook friend alerted me to this NY Times opinion piece on the topic. It's written by Sara Mosle, a journalist and author who also teaches 6th grade English in Newark, NJ. Her perspective is intelligent and offers ideas on how to incorporate more non-fiction into English courses. Her commentary is certainly thought-provoking. At last check, 463 people had chimed in with their two cents.

 

One thing I did find interesting is that Mosle seems to see this as the sole responsibility of English teachers versus an opportunity to collaborate with content-area colleagues. Sadly, teaching in isolation is so ingrained in secondary teachers that we don't even think about it.

 

Thanks for reading! It keeps your Mind Full of Literacy!

 

P.S. More Mindful Thoughts That Kept Me Awake Last Night: I've been reading Seth Godin lately. He contends that the hiring practices or an increasing number of employers are evolving to toward the hiring of  innovative problem solvers who buck the system (in a professional and respectful manner) and who aren't afraid to be human and exert some emotional labor. If this is indeed the case, then self-expression (a trait that David Colman says English classes focus too much on) remains a skill that needs to be taught and cultivated in our students. Thoughts?