This presentation centers on using reading and writing expectations within Common Core, Illinois Learning Standards, C3 Framework (social studies), and NextGen (science) for assessments that spark students’ critical and creative thinking. The suggested assessments include the formal and the informal, both summative and formative, and engaging, authentic, discipline-specific assessments. Teachers will be directed to intentionally plan so as to demonstrate students’ learning using a growth model. This is not teaching to the test. It can be applied to any grade level in which students read and write and any content area (with the exception of math).