The way we taught students in the past simply does not prepare them for the higher demands of college and careers today and in the future. In English, language arts, and literacy, this means three major changes. Students will continue reading and writing, but, in addition to stories and literature, they will read more texts that provide facts and background knowledge in areas including science and social studies. They will read more challenging texts and be asked more questions that will require them to refer back to what they have read. There is also an increased emphasis on building a strong vocabulary so students can read and understand challenging material.