Standards are the 'what' and curriculum is the 'how,' with Sue Pimentel
In this episode, Susan Lambert welcomes back Sue Pimentel to discuss the history and impact of the Common Core Standards on English Language Arts (ELA) and Literacy in the United States. Susan and Sue revisit what the standards were designed to focus on: knowledge building, college and career readiness, and fluency in both literary and informational texts. Their conversation covers the importance of text complexity, the lack of a research base to support leveled readers, knowledge building as a matter of equity, and content as a matter of access. While acknowledging the value of these standards, the discussion also highlights their limitations. Sue underscores the importance of always returning to the research to ensure students are truly learning, being prepared to navigate the world, and ultimately, to live happier lives.