Overview on the Common Core Learning Standards: Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects Monroe 2 –Orleans BOCES

I have yet to see any problem, however complicated, which, when you looked at it in the right way, did not become still more complicated. Poul Anderson “ “

Over-Arching Objectives:  Understand that this is a big change.  Develop an awareness of the Common Core Learning Standards and implications on instructional practice.

Unpacking the Standards Review the format of the Common Core Standards document Note major differences between the CCS and the NYS Standards Implications and Next Steps

Background

State Adoptions of the CCSS As of September 2011

Myth or Fact?

#1

Adopting common standards will bring all states’ standards down to the lowest common denominator, which means states with high standards, such as Massachusetts, will be taking a step backwards if they adopt the Standards.

#2

Myth or Fact? The Standards are not internationally benchmarked.

#3

Myth or Fact? The Standards include skills and address the importance of content knowledge.

#4

Myth or Fact? The Standards are just vague descriptions of skills; they don’t include a reading list or any other similar reference to content.

#5

Myth or Fact? The standards are written for ELA and Math teachers. This is not applicable to a teacher in the content areas.

We have not and will not prescribe a national curriculum. I want to repeat that. Arne Duncan Secretary of Education NCEE, May 24, 2011 “ “

Local Control Federal and State Control

What they don’t do… Define how teachers should teach Define how teachers should teach Define all that can or should be taught Define all that can or should be taught Define interventions needed for students who are below grade level Define interventions needed for students who are below grade level Give range of support for English language learners and students with special needs Give range of support for English language learners and students with special needs

No one likes change but babies in diapers. Barbara Johnson Writer “ “

“ As a state we have never taken on an initiative this big, that requires this much effort and collaboration. Ken Slentz, Associate Commissioner Office of Curriculum, Instruction and Field Services June 2, 2011 “

“ As a state we have never taken on an initiative this big, that requires this much effort and collaboration. Ken Slentz, Associate Commissioner Office of Curriculum, Instruction and Field Services June 2, 2011 “

CCLS: Let’s watch the video

6 Shifts in Thinking: 1.Greater emphasis on informational text at all grade levels GradeLiteraryInformational 450% 845%55% 1230%70% Distribution of Literary and Informational Passages by Grade in the 2009 NAEP Reading Framework

6 Shifts in Thinking: 2.Literacy in history, science, and other disciplines “This division reflects the unique, time honored place of ELA teachers in developing students’ literacy skills while at the same time recognizing that teachers in other areas must have a role in this development as well.”

6 Shifts in Thinking: 3.Text complexity matters oExposure to text at and above grade level 4.Text dependent questions oQuestions should require close attention to text “Students should read like a detective and write like a conscientious investigative reporter.”

6 Shifts in Thinking: 5.Constructing an argument with evidence in writing GradeTo PersuadeTo ExplainTo Convey Experiences 430%35% 8 30% 1240% 20% Distribution of Communicative Purposes by Grade in the 2011 NAEP Writing Framework

6 Shifts in Thinking: 6.Academic Vocabulary = power – Included in the development of the language strand – Greater emphasis on the language of complex text (Tier 2 words) Not necessarily domain specific words or literary terms Examples: product, relative, vary, formulate, specificity, accumulate, calibrate, itemize, periphery, misfortune, dignified, faltered, unabashedly

Making it the NYS Common Core- 15% Pre-K standards Responding to Literature Inquiry, culture, and diversity

Common Core State Standards: College and Career Readiness 11 Reading11 Writing 6 Speaking and Listening 6 Language 34 Anchor Standards

Organization 3 Main Sections: 1.K-5 ELA ELA Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects Reading for Literacy in History/Social Studies Reading for Literacy in Science and Technical Subjects Writing for Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science and Technical Subjects

Layout of the Standards

Anchor Standards

Common Core State Standards: Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science and Technical Subjects anchor standards grade-specific standards

Clear vertical progression Grade band expectations for grades 6-12

Clear vertical progression Grade band expectations for grades 6-12

Clear vertical progression-all subjects combined

Appendices Appendix A -Research Supporting Key Elements of the Standards; Glossary of Key Terms Appendix B -Text Exemplars and Sample Performance Tasks Appendix C -Examples of Student Writing

CCSS: The future Implementation of 2 Units of Study (one each semester) Exploring curriculum models Role of Network teams Implementation of CCLS – September 2012

New Science Standards? Available NOW: Conceptual Framework for Science Education - a collaborative effort to guide the development of Next Generation Science Standards by creating a document “grounded in the most current research on science and science learning and will identify the science that all K – 12 students should know.”

DRAFT Next Generation Science Standards: First draft is anticipated to be released for public comment early in NYS Science Standards: NYS will probably adopt the Next Generation Science Standards – which may follow the same pattern as ELA and Math, adding 15% of content determined by the state.

Questions?

Want to Learn More? Visit Common Core Website: Just Google it! NYS Common Core Achieve’s Next Generation Science Standards page: National Science Teachers Association – Next Generation Science Standards information Conceptual Framework for Science Education – free pdf download