Reflection on the challenge posed by implementation of the National Common Core Standards seems an appropriate first entry. It WILL be a challange.
Nationwide, textbooks based on the common core will be missing from most classrooms. This issue could go on for years in some districts. Teachers and homeschoolers will need to read and comprehend the unpacked standards. This will give them an opportunity to develop concrete objectives.
“Multiple resources” will be required. Students need access to accurate background information, meaningful practice and objective driven assessments. Teachers need the progress measurement data provided by objective based assessments. Additionally, logs of lesson plans, materials used, classroom activities, practice opportunities and assessments will be important for communication with students, parents and administrators; in an era of student performance based evaluation.
Books geared toward “teaching the test” will be thrown together quickly. The publishers may find it difficult to actually teach critical thinking; a vital component of the common core.
I am part of a website team at commoncoremath.net. The site is committed to providing teachers a laddered approach to teaching the common core math standards. At commoncoremath.net standards have already been unpacked and objectives developed. Critical thinking and writing skills are woven throughout the curricula. Classroom differentiation is facilitated by the availability of all materials, across all grade levels for all members, (membership is only $20.95 per year.)
commoncoremath.net provides thousands of pages of lessons, practice materials, assessments, tracking forms and other resources for print, computer or smartboard use. It is the ultimate “teacher’s helper” for these changing times.
Good luck from a sixth grade teacher!
James Wheeler – commoncoremath.net
NCCS for Math 