A group of English teachers in a suburban school district comprised of three high schools are resisting the districts' demand to implement the English Language Arts Common Core State Standards (ELA CCSS) in their department. They each believe that they have the right to teach their own curriculum based on their own interests and knowledge, as opposed to having to address all of the many required particular grade level standards. They also believe that the ELA CCSS will lead to a top-down standardization of the curriculum that will undermine their professional autonomy.

Each school's department has a different focus. School A's department focuses on the importance of knowing the literary periods, canons, and significant authors to prepare students for college. School B's department focuses on teaching basic reading and writing skills to prepare students for tests even though their students do well on the tests. School C's department focuses on using literature to foster critical inquiry around problems and issues.

Due to the tension felt within the three departments, the English Department Chairs are meeting to discuss how they can get teachers to understand how they can maintain autonomy in exceeding the standards. You, as a recent graduate who is familiar with the standards, are called upon to share your ideas in this meeting. The Department Chairs are hoping to pick your brain in developing a plan for gaining teacher buy-in.

Before the meeting, you decide to prepare by discussing the ELA CCSS with your intern teaching peers. Use the following prompts to have these discussions.

1. Where do you stand on the CCSS? How can teachers maintain autonomy when implementing them into instruction?

2. Think about your experiences as a student and as an intern or practicing teacher. How have you seen the CCSS implemented? What are some specific lesson or unit plans that met and exceeded the standards?

3. Which do you believe are the toughest standards to meet and exceed? How might teachers creatively navigate these specific standards?

You are now ready for your meeting! Be yourself and good luck!