The DEAN’s List

Greetings Blogosphere!
Did you know that the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) and the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) have joined, along with a number of other agencies to initiate a state-led process of developing (and adopting) a common core of state standards? Forty-six states plus the DC, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands have signed on to take part in The Common Core State Standards Initiative.

I knew this was underway, but imagine my surprise when Education Week reported that drafts had been released this week!

Well, here they are for your viewing pleasure:
Preamble
Standards for Reading, Writing, and Communication
Mathematics

Check ‘em out. What do you think?

Your Friendly Assessment Nerd, Porter

A recently published U.S. News and World report article entitled “Schools Cut Other Subjects to Teach Reading and Math” addresses the issue of schools focusing more on Reading and Math at the expense of other subjects in an effort to meet the demands of NCLB and high-stakes testing.  In speaking with various colleagues across my local school district, as well as, neighboring school districts, I find that many teachers and administrators are feeling pressured to promote an abridged curriculum.  Of course, test scores look amazing.  But, are we adequately preparing students to successfully compete in today’s society?    Is this “new” curriculum encouraged in your school?    Do you agree or disagree with this practice?  Why/Why not?

Paula