We are hearing about it all over the news, at school functions, teachers are talking about it and taking trainings on how to implement it. So, just what is the Common Core and how does it apply to your child?
On this blog, we will explore the Common Core as it applies to parents. Common Core is a well defined set of educational expectations which apply to K-12 grades. They are academic standards for each and every grade. The Common Core applies to English Language Arts, Math, Writing, Social Studies and Science. The Common Core is scientific, research based and has been built upon national and global data. These standards are aligned to vital information that students need to know to be successful in college as well as the workplace.
The main goal of the Common Core is make certain that administrators, teachers, parents and students are all on the same page so to speak. The Common Core has a timeline for implementation through completion. Over the course of a few years, the Common Core should be fully operational in each state across the United States. That way if a student has to relocate to a new school in a new state they will pick up right where left off. Hopefully, this will close learning gaps that students may develop when they move around and one school has already taught a concept that the previous school has not. I experienced this as a child myself. We moved 16 times before I entered middle school. Every school that I enrolled in was at a different place mathematically. This resulted in gaps. I remember being placed in remedial math classes every time I entered a new school. Talk about self confidence issues. Once I entered college, I was required to take almost every math class they offered including pre-algebra, intermediate algebra, college algebra, liberal arts math, statistics and so on and so on! I felt as if I would NEVER get done with math. This math "drowning" resulted in a hate-love relationship with math. It is absolutely not my favorite subject. However, these experiences certainly gave me full understanding as well as a heart of compassion for children who struggle academically.
Now back to the Common Core...
In my first blog we discussed higher order thinking and Mastery Learning (Bloom's Taxonomy). The Common Core uses higher order thinking skills and strategies as a cornerstone of the expectations. It is no longer good enough to just simply memorize, recall and regurgitate information. Students will be required to demonstrate that they have fully grasped and understood a concept that has been taught. Teachers are required to teach accordingly so students can achieve that.
Does this mean that curriculums based and written on State Bench Marks and Standards are useless? No, the Common Core builds upon them. We just want to make sure that all of our bases are covered. Teacher resources, trainings, books and Internet resources are readily available to ensure that administrators, teachers and interventionist are ready for these changes.
Parents play and equally important role by helping their children to understand how important it is to fully participate and listen during teaching instruction time. Also, by helping your child develop good study habits and following though with projects and homework designed to help your child better understand and re-explain concepts that they have learned. This is why it is important to NOT do the projects or homework FOR your child, instead guide them along the path of learning. Tests are designed to demonstrate that students fully understand and have mastered skills. It only hinders their progression if you complete the work for them. If your child is struggling in a specific area or with a concept speak with the teacher before they fall too far behind. Partner with the teacher in helping your child to succeed.
Parents can become team members in their child's education by visiting the following link for more detailed information regarding the Common Core.
http://www.pta.org/4446.htm
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