The Common Core State Standards have been released.
They are designed to provide a framework in English/language arts and mathematics. At a recent meeting I was told to gear up and be prepared because we would soon be following them within our classes. The Standards have examples of student work, standards for English Language Learners and students with disabilities.
Teachers, parents and community leaders have all weighed in to help create the Common Core State Standards. The standards clearly communicate what is expected of students at each grade level. This will allow our teachers to be better equipped to know exactly what they need to help students learn and establish individualized benchmarks for them. The Common Core State Standards focus on core conceptual understandings and procedures starting in the early grades, thus enabling teachers to take the time needed to teach core concepts and procedures well—and to give students the opportunity to master them.
Louisiana is part of Partnership for 21st Century Skills and we are gearing toward following the Common Core Standards.
Partnership’s Mission Statement
To serve as a catalyst to position 21st century readiness at the center of U.S. K-12 education by building collaborative partnerships among education, business, community and government leaders.
Twenty-First Century Children
Every child in the U.S. needs 21st century knowledge and skills to succeed as effective citizens, workers and leaders. This can be accomplished by fusing the three Rs and four Cs.
There is a profound gap between the knowledge and skills most students learn in school and the knowledge and skills they need in typical 21st century communities and workplaces.
To successfully face rigorous higher education coursework, career challenges and a globally competitive workforce, U.S. schools must align classroom environments with real world environments by fusing the three Rs and four Cs:
* The three Rs include: English, reading or language arts; mathematics; science; foreign languages; civics; government; economics; arts; history; and geography.
* The four Cs include: critical thinking and problem solving; communication, collaboration; and creativity and innovation.
The Common Core Standards can be found here
What do you think that means for your classes?
