California has joined most states in adopting a new educational standard with a stated goal toward providing a more vigorous and consistent education for all students. With our country at a learning low (as demonstrated through testing and basic curriculum) compared with other industrialized nations, this new standard seeks to provide American K – 12 students with an education that is competitive and respected worldwide
The Common Core’s adoption by California in July creates an opportunity to make a real needed difference in our children’s education, moreover in their life skills. But that positive difference can only happen if we – administrators, teachers and parents within the District – first understand the educational objectives for, and expectations and practical requirements required of, our students. Changes in testing should not result in unfair consequences for students. We can avoid or greatly minimize problems during the transition for our students but only if we ourselves our prepared.
Did you know that most of our education dollars pay for staff? This should come as no surprise because teachers have and probably always will be, by far, the most important educational resource in our schools. It makes sense then that training our teachers in understanding the Common Core and what it means to our district should be a priority.
But teachers cannot effect change alone, at least not smoothly. Parents need to be an educated part of the team in ensuring that students navigate through any changes successfully. As a Board member, a part of my mission would be to keep you informed in ways that you can practically access. Not everyone has the time and energy to attend monthly meetings. The whole district benefits when we all know about developments; our students do their best when we know best how to support them.
Start your education now. Below are a few articles that provide oversight and comment on the Common Core. Bring your constructive and well-informed thoughts to me and become part of “the villiage” that supports our kids.
(1) The Common Core State Standards Initiative website; https://www.google.com/search?q=the+common+core&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a
(2) California Department of Education (Common Core State Standards); http://www.cde.ca.gov/re/cc/
(3) Our District Informational Presentation; http://media.wix.com/ugd//f6c018_18d72acbd33de0df3faf30c49acc1183.pdf
(4) The Common Core and the Common Good (The New York Times (Aug 21, 2013) Op Ed Columnist Charles Blow): http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/22/opinion/blow-the-common-core-and-the-common-good.html?_r=0
(5) The Debate Over School Standards (The New York Times (Aug 21, 2013), Letters; http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/21/opinion/the-debate-over-school-standards.html
(6) Wikipedia (great overview and resources listed); http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_Core_State_Standards_Initiative
* If you have heard (and read) about the Common Core, you may realize that it is not universally embraced; criticism commonly expresses concern that ineffective implementation will negatively impact students and their academic record. Being cognizant of the criticism is necessary to avoid the pitfalls. By law, however, the Common Core is now the standard for Dixie. Our goal need be to effectively implement it.
