Williams, a literacy teacher, who is joined by two English teachers, offers a guide to help teachers meet the challenges posed by the Common Core State Standards in English language arts for grades three through five, while keeping the learning needs of students at the center. They explain how to focus on detailed observation of the standards and use them as a frame for contextualizing and building instruction and classrooms and meeting students where they are. They examine their key features and common questions they raise; examples of instruction that demonstrate how learning goals from the standards are addressed while adhering to principles of good teaching identified by the National Council of Teachers of English, including charts showing their alignment and suggestions for professional development; and strategies and materials for long-term planning and collaboration among colleagues. No index is provided. Annotation 2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
