Forty-three states plus D.C and the U.S. Virgin Islands have signed on to adopt the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). The need for curriculum guides to assist teachers in helping students meet these standards has become imperative. Created by teachers, for teachers, the research-based curriculum maps in this book present a comprehensive, coherent sequence of thematic units for teaching the skills outlined in the CCSS for English language arts in Grades 6-8. Each grade is broken down into six units that include focus standards, suggested works, sample activities and assessments, lesson plans, etc.

• Teachers can use the maps to plan their year and craft their own more detailed lesson plans
• The maps address every standard in the CCSS, yet are flexible and adaptable to accommodate diverse teaching styles

Any teacher, school, or district that chooses to follow the Common Core maps can be confident that they are adhering to the standards.

The new Common Core State Standards (CCSS) are meant to be taught within the context of a "content-rich curriculum," but they don't specify what content students need to master. Common Core Curriculum Maps in English Language Arts, written by teachers, for teachers, is designed to assist teachers by providing detailed curriculum "maps" for teaching the CCSS for English Language Arts within a coherent sequence of thematic units by grade level.

• Each grade includes a "standards checklist" showing which standards are covered in which unit.
• Each unit contains focus standards, student objectives, suggested works, sample activities and assessments, a sample lesson plan with guidance for differentiated instruction, and more.
• Standards citations are included after each sample activity/assessment to indicate alignment.
• Every standard in the CCSS is covered in the maps; most more than once.

The maps are flexible and adaptable to accommodate diverse teaching styles. Any teacher, school, or district can use this book to plan their year and to craft their own more detailed lesson plans with confidence that they are adhering to the standards.

"Common Core Curriculum Maps in English Language Arts is a wonderful tool for classroom teachers who have all they can do to handle their countless daily responsibilities. With the inclusion of essential questions, and even ways to bring in music and art, the maps in this book are ready-made for teachers to use as they see fit. The maps are a helpful tool for implementing the Common Core State Standards in the classroom and provide a welcome and long overdue system of support for America's educators."—David P. Driscoll, former president of the Council of Chief State School Officers and current chair of the National Assessment Governing Board

"The curriculum maps in this book offer us a magnificent opportunity to rekindle the magic of learning in America's classrooms! Teachers will be excited to bring content-rich, integrated learning experiences to life using these maps as a guide." —Teresa Chance, Professional Development Director for Rogers Public Schools, Arkansas