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.;What is in the best interest of our students? Is it teaching to the newest standards movement, like the Common Core? Teaching that prepares students to take a test? Or is it something more meaningful and authentic? In his new book, In the Best Interest of Students, Kelly Gallagher notes that there are real strengths in the Common Core standards, and there are significant weaknesses as well. He takes the long view, reminding us that standards come and go but what remains constant is the need to stay true to what we know works in the teaching of reading, writing, speaking and listenin.