Inferences and the Common Core Standards

Inferences are central to the Common Core Standards. For instance, one standard for grades 5-12 specifically states that students must draw “inferences from the text.” Moreover, many of the subsequent standards require that students must continue to make inferences. These standards, for example, state that students must be able to

• determine a theme;
• compare and contrast two characters;
• determine the meaning . . . of metaphors;
• explain how a series of chapters, scenes, or stanzas fits together to provide the overall structure of a particular story;
• describe how a narrator’s or speaker’s point of view influences how events are described; and
• compare and contrast stories in the same genre . . . on their approaches to similar themes.

Specifically, here are some of the standards that require inferential thinking for grade 5*:

RL.5.1. Quote accurately from a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text. [This standard also applies to grades 6-12.]

RL.5.2. Determine a theme of a story, drama, or poem from details in the text, including how characters in a story or drama respond to challenges or how the speaker in a poem reflects upon a topic; summarize the text.

RL.5.3. Compare and contrast two or more characters, settings, or events in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text (e.g., how characters interact).

RL.5.4. Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative language such as metaphors and similes.

RL.5.5. Explain how a series of chapters, scenes, or stanzas fits together to provide the overall structure of a particular story, drama, or poem.

RL.5.6. Describe how a narrator’s or speaker’s point of view influences how events are described.

RL.5.9. Compare and contrast stories in the same genre (e.g., mysteries and adventure stories) on their approaches to similar themes and topics.

*NB: The corresponding standards for grades 6-12 are more sophisticated variations of these standards for grade 5 and require even higher levels of inferential thinking. 

This post is borrowed from Reading Between the Lines - Inferencing Skills

Common Core Standards Resource Highlight

The resource show below was published by Pieces of Learning and is available through their website: www.piecesoflearning.com.

A significant advantage in using Common Core State Standards is that they are general, with broader curriculum application. They can potentially lead to higher-level thinking and mastery of 21st century skills rather than focus on lower-level test-prep answers. Coil’s practical examples show educators how to use differentiated curriculum, differentiated instruction, and differentiated assessment with the Common Core State Standards.

Differentiated Activities & Assessments Using the Common Core Standards

Differentiation is essential when educators work with diverse groups of students while using the same set of Common Core State Standards for each student. These activities and corresponding assessments are specifically designed examples of how the CCSS can be implemented in your classroom with diverse students.

Differentiated curriculum calls for differentiated assessment. Not only are the topic activities differentiated and provide for student choice, but the assessments are differentiated as well. Using differentiated activities and assessments leads to greater success and achievement on high-stakes standardized tests.... See more after the jump...