I like the common core standards or as we call them here "the Iowa Core". I remember a few years ago when I was told I needed to post my learning goals in my classroom and I need to make sure my students knew what these goals were daily..... I grumbled. It was a CHANGE.... a new requirement...one more thing I had to create and implement to my already full day. I was unsure what it would look like or how I would incorporate them to be student friendly. Once I did start using them, the learning goals kept my lesson planning focused and I was able to justify what I was teaching and why. It gave children knowledge of why we are learning or doing certain activities. It was a way to keep parents informed too. (great to add to your weekly newsletters!)
Why do we have common standards and what exactly are they?
We need standards to ensure that all students, no matter where they live, no matter what teacher they have, are prepared for success in education and eventually the workforce. Common standards will help ensure that students are receiving a high quality education consistently, from school to school and state to state. Common standards will provide a greater opportunity to share experiences and best practices within and across states that will improve our ability to best serve the needs of students. Good education needs to happen in every classroom!
Standards do not tell teachers how to teach, but they do help teachers figure out the knowledge and skills their students should have so that teachers can build the best lessons and environments for their classrooms. Standards also help students and parents by setting clear and realistic goals for success. Standards are a first step – a key building block – in providing our young people with a high-quality education that will prepare them for success in college and work. Of course, standards are not the only thing that is needed for our children’s success, but they provide an accessible road map for our teachers, parents, and students.
Standards do not tell teachers how to teach, but they do help teachers figure out the knowledge and skills their students should have so that teachers can build the best lessons and environments for their classrooms. Standards also help students and parents by setting clear and realistic goals for success. Standards are a first step – a key building block – in providing our young people with a high-quality education that will prepare them for success in college and work. Of course, standards are not the only thing that is needed for our children’s success, but they provide an accessible road map for our teachers, parents, and students.
If you are new to using the standards.....try it, take time to look through them. Pick one or two areas and try to write the standards in student friendly terms and begin posting them in an area in your classroom. Have them beside you as you plan lessons. These are things all students need at each grade level. REMEMBER.....you may have to look at the standards below your grade level...what should they know from last year? Do I need to review, re-teach and so on.
Here are some links to check out. Try out the free app you can download! I downloaded this app, it is located on the right side of my blog screen.
Happy Reading! Mrs. Speake
