One thing we took away from this article is the statement on page 97 that states ”Close and accurate thinking, and to acquire a facility of classifying and arranging, analyzing and comparing our ideas on different subjects” could  easily be language written in the Common Core Standards or other learning standards. Beyond the learning standard we should constantly adopt new approaches for students’ growth. We must prepare our students beyond standards, beyond textbooks, etc and use ideas within their communities/ environments where learning becomes more real. Knowing each student by name and nature is a must which is often beyond the standards that are implemented in our daily lessons. We must continue to have close and accurate thinking that stimulates students' interest but also see their strong and weak points.

Another way to include identity work in skill work is through “The Urgency of Your Pen.” Ask the question, “What issues are the most urgent of your pen?” This question provides students with the opportunity to think about their identities and determine the social issues in their communities or the world that need the most change or improvement. These issues then become the subject for learning within the different content areas. 

Identity work can also be found in math. Mentor texts should be selected that support students’ reading, writing and thinking skills while also developing students’ skills, identities, intellect and critically. Use mentor texts and word problems in math that allow for identity work. Engage in word problems that search for truth and errors, that show key words and symbols, that encourage students to interpret information, while also modeling problem solving.