I went on an interview recently and was completely dumbfounded with a question that was asked. I was asked about core based literature. I went blank and am not sure what that is. The principal said that most people know what it is just don't know the terminology. So is it bad that I don't know what that is? Dar
Did he explain it to you? I don't know if I would be able to explain what it is. I did a search online and it didn't really tell me anything.
I would assume he was speaking of integrated curriculum. Like using literature about the core subjects of science, social studies and math. So instead of reading just fiction stories, pulling in what your are learning the rest of the day, into reading time.That's what it sounds like to me. I think its ok you didn't recognize the terminology. If he had explained it to you, I"m sure you would have understood it and thats all that matters.
CORE = Consortium of Reading Excellence. It's got a lot of supplemental (supplimental to the core L.A. curriculum) research-based methods for teaching reading/increasing vocabulary/fluency, and all that. You should be able to find out about it online.
Armed with the information that you have been given here, there is one thing that you MUST do immediately. Write your thank you letter and include information that pertains to the fact that you looked up what it means and how you would implement it into your classroom. If it pertains to you, I would include information that maybe you knew the program under different terminology (ie I am familiar with the core literature concept, but I knew it as XYZ). This will really impress the admins, and it shows that you are willing to do research and learn about unfamliar concepts. One of my colleagues got hired from doing this and my husband did a simliar thing when he interviewed for his *highly* competative job (not in education). He simply wrote a letter explaining that he had looked up the information that he didn't know and proceeded to explain it in the letter. He was offered the job (his career job) that day.
next time i would just ask the principal to clarify what exactly he's talking about! many times you know (or have at least heard about) the concept, you just don't know the technical term for it. don't worry, though, this year my principal hired one girl whose was told many times (during the inter.) that her answers weren't right. guess her confidence and other positive qualities got her through the door, anyways! anyhoo, best of luck to you!! -meri
