English Language Development

Numbering and Abbreviations of the CA CCSS for ELA/Literacy

Individual CCR anchor standards are identified by their strand, CCR status, and number (e.g.,
R.CCR.6). Individual grade-specific standards are identified by their strand, domain (only applicable
in reading), grade, and number (or number and letter, where applicable), so that RI.4.3, for example,
stands for Reading, Informational Text, Grade 4, Standard 3 and W.5.1a stands for Writing, Grade
5, Standard 1a. California additions to the standards are identified in boldface print followed by the
abbreviation CA (CDE 2013a, v). See figure 1.5.

Figure 1.5. Numbering of the CA CCSS for ELA/Literacy

The abbreviations used in the CA CCSS for ELA/Literacy are depicted in figure 1.6.

Figure 1.6. Abbreviations of the CA CCSS for ELA/Literacy

Abbreviation Strand & Domain Grade Levels

RL Reading Standards for Literature K–12

RI Reading Standards for Informational Text K–12

RF Reading Standards for Foundational Literacy Skills K–5

RH Reading Standards for Literacy in History/Social

Studies

6–12

RST Reading Standards for Literacy in Science and

Technical Subjects

6–12

SL Speaking and Listening Standards K–12

L Language Standards K–12

W Writing Standards K–12

WHST Writing Standards for Literacy in History/Social

Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects

6–12

CA ELD Standards

Background

The CA CCSS for ELA/Literacy and all other content standards are intended to apply to all students,
including ELs, as the developers of the CCSS have stated: “The National Governors Association Center
for Best Practices and the Council of Chief State School Officers strongly believe that all students
should be held to the same high expectations outlined in the Common Core State Standards. This

28 | Chapter 1 Overview of Standards