K-12 Resources

Resources for Communication instruction in grades K-12

The National Communication Association is committed to developing and providing essential resources for the inclusion of Communication in grades K-12 in the U.S. educational system.

The purpose of NCA's K-12 project is to support and promote a working relationship among Communication teachers and administrators in grades K-12, and to provide essential pedagogical and curricular resources needed by these educators. By developing and providing the necessary expertise and products required by K-12 educators and administrators, NCA is addressing a concern that Communication teaching has not been sufficiently effective in grades K-12.

K-12 Instruction Improvement 
In collaboration with other associations, the association is working to improve the quality of Communication instruction in K-12 classrooms, regardless of the discipline of the teacher. Those efforts include activities such as teacher workshops and instructional methods. One of those resources includes:

College Board Standards

 

The College Board developed and posted standards for middle school and high school English Language Arts and Mathematics and Statistics. The College Board Standards for College Success defined a developmental progression of rigorous learning objectives for six courses in middle school and high school to lead all students being prepared for Advanced Placement (AP) or college-level work. NCA members Sherry Morreale, John Heineman, and Mary Bozik served on the writing team for the Communication Standards, which were endorsed by the NCA Executive Committee as a replacement for NCA’s K-12 Standards. The College Board has replaced its own Standards with the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) but NCA has not; the College Board Standards remain NCA’s standards.

 

Additional Resources

  • TeAchnology was designed with teachers in mind. The website provides lesson plans, rubrics, worksheets, and tips for teachers. The resources offered are easy to navigate based on the subjects or themes you select. The site also offers a free weekly e-newsletter, with teacher tips, for those who subscribe.
  • PBS LearningMedia is a comprehensive website providing K-12 teacher resources by field. Each field is provided classroom resources, discussion forums and various professional development opportunities. Each day you will find a new classroom resource featured on the homepage. The live discussion boards provide a great outlet to share and obtain information on various pedagogical topics.
  • The Learning Network from the New York Times is a teaching website for elementary and secondary teachers.