CCSS Implementation Becomes a Flashpoint for State and Federal Action
This week's readings primarily focus on the Common Core State Standards, as well as why and how administrators are implementing the standards within their state. "The Common Core State Standards provide a consistent, clear understanding of what students are expected to learn, so teachers and parents know what they need to do to help them." The reasoning behind these standards is to provide students with a higher and more challenging education, which will prepare them for college and careers. The consistency among the standards is also a a key aspect of the CCSS because the educators, students, administrators, and parents all have the ability to know when and what the students should be learning. Unfortunately this change is a very big change for students and teachers. "The balance is very difficult as the change to the new standards is a significant change in curriculum. Not only do teachers need to re-orient much of their instruction, students must be re-oriented to this new change as well." This is one of the major issues that I have seen at my placement school and in my own classroom because teachers don't seem to have enough resources, while students are unaware of what the new standards are asking them to do.
With this said, I still believe that the Common Core State Standards are going to make a positive impact in our school systems because teachers have to push their students and present them with challenging exercises. This can definitely be applied in my content area because a big part of CCSS is for teachers to have their students justify and explain everything. Although this can become annoying for students, the final product is worth it. I recently did a task called, "The Missing Coefficient," which forced my students to use the Remainder Theorem and to think abstractly. Although they were struggling at first, once we shared ideas and talked it out all of my students were able to come up with an answer and justify it. I have to say it was a lot of fun to watch them figure it out and I could tell that many even enjoyed the challenge! CCSS is definitely a change but teachers should embrace the positive aspects of it and see if it works in their classroom!
Jenna,
ReplyDeleteI, too, reflected on this article for the post this week, and I definitely agree with you when it comes to implementing CCSS. It is hard for teachers and students to readjust their ways, and it is especially difficult at the secondary education level. Our students have gone through school with a particular mind set from kindergarten until now, and we are expecting them to change it all with one task. I agree that the outcomes far outweigh the initial frustration, but as teachers, we need resources and guides that help us successfully implement the tasks and activities that Common Core wants us to use. I think tasks can be very fun and exciting, but we need to inform students and be clear with our expectations. If we can be clear, they might stand a chance at the CCSS. As we begin teaching and see the CCSS work its way from elementary students to high school students, we will be able to hopefully feel confident and successful with CCSS and so will the students.
Great job, Jenna!
Jenna,
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you had success with the task you mentioned. I think that the remainder theorem is so cool, and it is even cooler that your students where able to explore the theorem more in depth.
I am like you when it comes to CCSS. I believe that it will do great things if it is implemented in the right way and with enthusiasm. It is a huge change for teachers and students, but I believe it is a change for the better, and as you said, teachers need appropriate resources to be able to handle the change. I think success stories, like the one you share here, are a major reason to support CCSS. With CCSS, mathematics is leaning toward a more conceptual side, and think this will help students in the long run.
Thanks for sharing,
Mindy