What is in our students' best interest does not always align with the current standards movement -- Staying true to what works in the teaching of reading -- Where the common core reading standards fall short -- Staying true to what works in the teaching of writing -- Where the common core writing standards fall short -- Using models to elevate our students' reading and writing abilities -- Sharpening our students' listening and speaking skills -- Shift happens -- Appendix A: Track your writing chart -- Appendix B: Conversation chart.