National Standards of the NCTE

The NCTE publishes standards in conjunction with the International Reading Association. Although I have observed the that NCTE standards are often one of the first resources teachers turn to in order to focus their lessons on specific understandings, it is not the intent of the organization to provide the absolute, sovereign authority on the guideposts that are to help teachers navigate students through the world of literature and related fields. The NCTE / IRA Standards for the English Language Arts maintains that these standards are intended to be considered as only one perspective among many:

"It is important to emphasize from the outset that these standards are intended to serve as guidelines that provide ample room for the kinds of innovation and creativity that are essential to teaching and learning. They are not meant to be seen as prescriptions for particular curricula or instructional approaches."

Individuals familiar with the current state of education in the United States hold fast to widely varying, and sometimes disapproving, opinions on standards. Some criticize national standards for imposing unreasonable and intrusive expectations onto individual schools that are scattered throughout the United States. However, the NCTE's motivation for publishing these standards is to document and inform educators of extensively researched and carefully written guideposts resulting from collaboration and teamwork.

As of September, 2009, there are a total of 12 NCTE Standards for the English and Language Arts. These standards are available for download as a .pdf document, along with detailed information about the NCTE's rationale and purpose for continuing to contribute to the ongoing discussion of American education, at the NCTE's website here.