The common core standards a foundation of standards that provides a clear understanding of what is expected of students at each grade level. The common core are based on mathematics and English language arts, which then broadens into other subjects. Teachers are supposed to focus more on these subjects because they are "core" subjects. "It is important to recognize that “fewer standards” are no substitute for focused standards. Achieving “fewer standards” would be easy to do by resorting to broad, general statements. Instead, these Standards aim for clarity and specificity."(http://www.corestandards.org/) The mathematics standards are divided very specifically into each domain. For example, in a math class the students are learning about division. The teacher will teach the concept, show examples, give students individual practice, review, and then test the students. This method of teaching is supposed to help the students clearly understand the subject matter. The English language arts branches out into literacy in history/social studies, science and technical subjects. The standards for these subjects are supposed to prepare students for the college and career world by no later than the last years of their high school education. These also are divided carefully.
I do believe that the common core standards are effective to a certain extent, but it does have its drawbacks. I think a very positive thing about the standards is that it requires there to be accommodations for English Language Learners. I think that is very important since this country welcomes immigrant students. Without the standards I feel like it would be more difficult for educators to find a way to make it easier for those students to learn the subject matter. I also think it is great that the standards give teachers a guideline and gives them clear expectations.
Some points to the standards is that the students are not retaining the information. Since they know what they are expected to learn and they know that it will only be required for the testing, then they just memorize in order to pass, but then they forget the information.
http://www.corestandards.org/the-standards
http://opportunityequation.org/
http://dianeravitch.net/
There will likely be debate since the generalities don't work for everyone - those who like to see more specific. But, yes, there will always be standards from which to teach. What will be interesting to see is how they may translate differently from the various levels of government who interpret how to use them.
ReplyDeletePlease hyperlink your web site resources so they are linkable (see my wiki -> Resources -> screencast on how to hyperlink) for future posts. We'll also go over in class next time we meet, but perhaps this will help.