What is this “recount” thing in grades 2 and 3? What did the architects of the Common Core Standards mean when they put that in? Was it purposeful, or as some have suggested, simply an oversight? I have asked multiple audiences, made up of teachers, administrators and support staff who work with students in the primary grades what they think, their responses are always mixed. Some shake their heads, agreeing that of course the word choice was purposeful, while others are not as convinced. A search of the web nets similar results.
Whether you believe the Common Core Standards are “sloppy” or “intentional and nuanced”, I ask you to consider if this insertion makes sense. As an experienced educator, having worked with primary level students as a classroom teacher, special educator, and reading specialist, I believe that the movement from supplying a retell to producing a summary is much more of a leap than a step. When students must transition from “tell me everything you can remember about a story” to- “the main ideas, in order, with transition words” it involves an increased demand on, as well as a command and control of, both language and thinking skills. It also explains why teaches so often lament about their students’ lack of success with making this transition.....
