Learning About Common Core Standards

As a parent or grandparent of a school-aged child you have probably heard of the new “Common Core Standards.” To help students become successful in the increasingly prevalent global economy after they graduate from high school, the Common Core Standards provide the same high standards and academic platform for every child across the county.

Initially designed by teachers and researchers and adopted in 2010, the Common Core Standards for language arts and mathematics are now being voluntarily used in forty-five states. While the standards set forth objectives and goals, Common Core is not a curriculum. These standards translate into learning strategies that seem quite different from the traditional curricular activities that existed when we were in school.

The integration of technology through the Common Core Standards is integral to enhancing your child’s learning environment and becoming successful in a 21st Century technologically advanced world. Teachers will use various forms of technology as a platform for student learning. For example, recently a group of students created webpages that incorporated and applied academic knowledge about the 13 Colonies. The students used research strategies, combined with writing and editing text, along with knowledge of basic webpage design to integrate the information into a cohesive format which they shared with their peers.

When using Common Core Standards, teachers use their extensive knowledge of math and language arts to develop lesson plans and adapt instructional strategies best suited to increase learning activities that will benefit their students. The standards teach our children to use analytical strategies to deeply understand and apply their learning. Students will use critical-thinking and problem-solving skills to collaborate with each other academically. Some of the settings for academic discussion strategies your child’s teachers will use include one-on-one, small group, student presentation and whole class learning activities. The students will work to integrate, implement and assess informational sources using logical reasoning strategies to broaden their base of understanding.

While Common Core Standards do not include science or social studies, the Next Generation Science Standards are available and are being used in much the same way as our teachers are using the Common Core Standards for language arts and mathematics. The language arts standards address many of the goals and objectives used in a social studies classroom.

As the Columbia School District continues to implement the Common Core Standards into our curriculum, please feel free to clarify any questions by speaking with or emailing your child’s teacher or principal. The new standards will help your child be competitive with other children across the country. If you have any questions regarding the Columbia School District, please call 5175926641 or email me at pam.campbell@myeagles.org.