Overview of the Intent of the Iowa Core Curriculum

Introduce yourself. We are embarking on a very important effort to improve learning for all students in Iowa. What the WORK is and why it is the right work. Why this is a critical TIME to begin this work and the major timelines for accomplishing our goals. This is a very collaborative effort involving educators, community, students and families …. The leaders here today (You) are the RIGHT PEOPLE to lead the work.

What is the Iowa Core Curriculum? A state-wide effort to improve teaching and learning to ensure that all Iowa students engage in a rigorous & relevant curriculum. Describe what the Core Curriculum is by stating bullet in slide. The outer ring depicts the comprehensive set of supports that are needed to put the Core into place. The inner ring shows the major arenas of work. The full graphic structures the focus on the following: The knowledge, skills, and actions of leaders, teacher leaders and teachers In the community In the school In the classroom Tools and resources that support implementation within the system and more importantly in the classroom. The knowledge, skills and actions focused on content, instruction, and assessment Professional development that enhances the knowledge, skills, and actions leaders and teachers need to ensure that students engage with a rigorous and relevant curriculum. The circle labeled CORE is the focus on the student and the student’s learning.

Iowa Core Curriculum Overview 1’s) What vision does the Iowa Core Curriculum advance? Page 1 (Including the gray box at the top of the page) What is the Iowa Core Curriculum? Pg.2 What does the Iowa Core Curriculum look like? Pg. 4,5 2’s) What are the benefits to students? Pg. 6 What are the benefits to educators? Pg. 7 What are the benefits to the state? Pg.8 3’s) What assumptions guide this work? Pg. 10-top of 13 Using the Overview Paper, have participants make small groups of three to jigsaw the article. Sections for the jigsaw are listed on the slide. Have each group count off by three. Assign the sections for reading as listed on slide. Request that everyone read in quiet for 10 minutes. Show them the questions they will answer and share with their small group of three listed on the next slide.

Understanding of the Iowa Core Curriculum 1’s) Describe 3 features of the Core Curriculum and how those features will impact student improvement in Iowa. 2’s) Select at least one benefit for each group identified in the Overview. How can that benefit be used to support and promote the Core Curriculum within the district and community? 3’s) Select at least 2 key assumptions that undergird the Core Curriculum. Explain why that is important to the work of Iowa educators. After 10 minutes of quiet reading, have small groups share their findings. A variation could include an “expert” group discussion where all the 1’s talk with each other about what they read, all the 2’s, all the 3’s and then have them get back together with their original group to share information about the entire paper.

Questions