CCSS ready?

Thee Common Core State Standards have been rolled our over the last 3 years around our country and for some time now in Oregon. As practices are changing in classrooms, practices are also changing in homes as parents get ready for more nonfiction reading, more explain your thinking, etc. The majority of states have accepted the challenge that is the CCSS, but some are backing out. Oregon is still full steam ahead.

As cited by Stupi, one elementary teacher stated that “I think we’re really moving in the right direction. We’re actually expecting students to think, talk about their thinking and analyze their thinking” (Stupi, 2014). 

Others are having major concerns about the assessment tool. Smarter Balanced , the assessment that Oregon will use, is ready to roll out and has been tested with pilot and field tests over the last couple of years. Schools were offered a chance to do the pilot test, but many declined.

But she and others believe the heavy focus on assessments is too early at this point in the process.

Again as cited by Stupi, “The majority of [teachers in my school] have not been to a single Common Core training so far” (Stupi, 2014). In Oregon COSA has offered multiple trainings over the past several years with regional CCSS trainings as well as trainings at the Malheur Institute and other places.

So what does it mean for Harney County teachers? SBAC is on its way, or rather...it is here. Common Core State Standards should be outlined and implemented in your curriculum now. Do you have a curriculum map that is mapped with the CCSS? What CCSS are you teaching tomorrow? 

If you need assistance in this endeavor, Harney ESD School Improvement is here to assist. Please call or e-mail and we will assist you in this transition to ensure that your students have the best chance on the SBAC. 

Enjoy the journey!

Eric

Citation: Stupi, A. (2014). Are you ready for the common core? Teachers weigh in. Retrieved October 19, 2014 from http://blogs.kqed.org/mindshift/2013/08/are-you-ready-for-common-core-teachers-weigh-in/. 

Videos to check out!:

Socratic Seminar (CCSS) (8 min)

Spelling System (14min)

Shake it Off Lip Dub...kinda funny  (4min)

Articles you might want to check out:

10 Reasons Why Non-Readers Don't Read - and how you can change their minds

The Next Time You're Ready to Give Up On A Student

Comic Strip Printables

Calendar of Events:

Nov 4-Nov 6-- ODE-facilitated WebEx sessions 
Nov 6-Early Learning Summit
Feb 26-27 K and Early Literacy Summit
April 10--Harney County Tech Conference 2015 @ BHS