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Common core Quote by Terry Marselle

“Another problem we found relates to the pedagogical method used in the Gettysburg Address exemplar that the Common Core calls “cold reading.” This gives students a text they have never seen and asks them to read it with no preliminary introduction. This mimics the conditions of a standardized test…” quote by Terry Marselle
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““Another problem we found relates to the pedagogical method used in the Gettysburg Address exemplar that the Common Core calls “cold reading.” This gives students a text they have never seen and asks them to read it with no preliminary introduction. This mimics the conditions of a standardized test on which students are asked to read material they have never seen and answer multiple choice questions about the passage.””

Terry Marselle

About This Quote

Source Article: Educational Research on Reading Strategies, 2020

The quote critiques using unfamiliar texts for cold reading, arguing it mirrors high‑stakes testing without preparation, which can hinder comprehension and learning.

In simple terms: Cold reading uses unseen texts, limiting understanding.

Key Takeaway

Provide context before reading.

Themes

education assessment reading comprehension pedagogy

Mood

critical analytical

Type

educational policy

When to use this quote

  • classroom instruction
  • test preparation
  • curriculum design
  • teacher training

Key Concepts

cold reading standardized testing pedagogical methods

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does prior exposure affect comprehension?
  • What alternatives improve reading assessment?
A Different Perspective

Students may struggle without prior exposure, reducing fairness.

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