Parent Night Sycamore Jr. High School October 15, 2014 Common Core Parent Night Sycamore Jr. High School October 15, 2014
OBJECTIVES Provide a basic understanding of the Common Core State Standards and what changes this is bringing about in our school Explain what “college and career readiness” means Provide tips for you to support your children’s schooling at home
What is Common Core? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5s0rRk9sER0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hp3zmU8iFoE
What is Common Core? The Common Core is a set of academic standards in mathematics and English language arts (ELA). Learning goals that outline what a student should know and be able to do at the end of each grade (k-12). 43 states (including California), Washington D.C, and 4 territories have adopted the Common Core State Standards. Source: http://www.corestandards.org/
Essence of Common Core Uniform learning expectations for all students across the U.S. Deeper understanding of content Real learning vs. short term memorization Using evidence to support answers Literacy across subjects Skills for success in college and 21st century workforce
The 4 Cs Collaboration Communication Critical Thinking Creativity
Why the shift to Common Core? Unequal standards across the country Academic Progress in U.S. is stagnant Falling behind other countries economically Designed to ensure students are “college and career ready” out of high school
What does “college and career readiness” mean? After a student graduates from high school, he or she will have the skills necessary to be successful in: Freshman-level college courses Entry-level careers Workforce training programs What does “college and career readiness” mean?
Common Core at Sycamore What is expected of our students? Language Arts More reading of different texts (not just stories) Using evidence to support answers Focus on academic vocabulary Mathematics Integrated math vs. single subject math (i.e. pre-algebra and algebra) Teaching to understand concepts vs. teaching to master skills More oral participation in class More group work More writing in all subjects
Common Core at Sycamore Professional development for teachers State testing Informational meetings and workshops for parents
What does common core look like for our students? Activity What does common core look like for our students? Math example
Tips for Parents Provide an environment at home conducive for success Daily routine is necessary Map out homework time, study time and extracurricular activities Provide a clean and quiet space for homework Reading time every day for the entire family Speak with your children every day Ask open ended questions Ask about school and what they learned today Know which areas your child struggles in Challenge your child to provide evidence in everyday discussions and disagreements Check Aeries regularly Check agenda planner daily Communicate with teachers Attend meetings and events Seek resources Visit the Parent Center
Student Resources Homework Club Academics First Program SES Tutoring Tiger Woods Learning Center Before and after school time with teachers Teacher websites Example: http://ticeenglish7.tripod.com/ Counselors Libraries (Public libraries and school library) AFP not a punishment but an opportunity
Thank you for taking the time to attend tonight. If our mission is to improve the academic achievement and possible outcomes for all of our children, It is important that our entire community understands the changes happening with common core. Thank you for taking the time to attend tonight.