In classrooms, many students have been able to work around reading challenging tasks and then break down the meaning of these texts for
themselves. Many students rely on teachers to provide the meaning of the text rather than
demanding of themselves that they read—and re-read—until they make meaning out
of the words on the page. The Common Core, through close reading, will demand even more independence, the student's reaction frustration at not being given the answer: “I can't get
it. Explain it to me!" English teachers already hear students say, "We are not learning anything," when the teacher is having them read and write their understanding of the text. Today's student equates being spoon fed answers and facts as "learning" which is exactly not learning. Administrators frequently give credence to the underachieving student's complaint that nothing is being "learned" because many administrators have not had the opportunity to teach reading to struggling students.
Will administrators support teachers when students and parents complain? My experience is that administrators are primarily concerned with happy parents and don't see the necessity of having a student struggle towards success. They are sometimes quick to step in and "save" the child from frustration and condemn the teacher. How then are teachers even going to risk embracing the higher standards?
