Incorporating Bloom's Taxonomy into lesson objectives will enable learners to visualize the ‘bigger picture.’ We can use the cognitive domain of the Taxonomy to realize what exactly we are asking learners to do in class.

Which instructional materials fully reflect the new math and literacy standards? Some recently developed tools and processes seek to provide an answer.

The Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) is a multi-state consortium working together to develop a common set of K-12 assessments in English and math anchored in what it takes to be ready for college and careers. These new K-12 assessments will build a pathway to college and career readiness by the end of high school, mark students' progress toward this goal beginning in grade 3, and provide teachers with timely information to inform instruction and provide student support. The PARCC assessments will be ready for states to administer during the 2014-15 school year.

PARCC states have committed to building a K-12 assessment system that:

• Builds a pathway to college and career readiness for all students,
• Creates high-quality assessments that measure the full range of the Common Core State Standards,
• Supports educators in the classroom,
• Makes better use of technology in assessments, and
• Advances accountability at all levels.

Massachusetts has assumed a significant leadership role in the design and development of the PARCC Assessments.

For a coming student contest in which teenagers are invited to write on an issue they care about, we have gathered a list of 200 writing prompts on a wide range of issues.