Editors note: This story originally ran May 2, 2013
By Leonna Heuring
leonnah@standard-democrat.com
SIKESTON -- The implementation of new learning standards in Missouri -- and across the nation -- has left some parents and community members wondering what exactly is taking place.
Southeast Missouri educators, parents and community members will have the chance to have some of their questions answered during a meeting from 6:30-8 p.m. today in room 110 at the Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center in Cape Girardeau.
These new standards, which are known as Common Core Standards, were adopted by the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in 2010. They are a set of academic expectations in English/language arts and mathematics that promote critical thinking and reasoning skills. The goal is to prepare students for success in college and their careers.
"People are worried there is a political implication (associated with the new standards)," said Chuck Mayes, chief academic officer for Sikeston R-6 School District. "It really wasn't designed that way. The purpose is to have a common standard across the state."
Mayes said he thinks the standards are a good change for schools. He also said administrators from other districts he's talked to have also been in favor of the new standards.
"I know there are a lot of things being tossed around about it -- that it's a more rigorous set of standards, and it will be challenging for the students," Mayes said.
However, the biggest difference Mayes said he sees with the new standards is the focus has shifted more on how students understand and then apply that information.
"It's not what they know but how they understand -- how they take the information and do something with it," Mayes said.
According to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the standards require clearer and fewer concepts at each grade level, allowing teachers to help students to engage in rigorous, complex thinking and to apply concepts across subject areas and grade levels. Incorporating these standards into instruction is intended to prepare students for success: to enter post-secondary education without remediation; to successfully complete other post-secondary options, such as internships or apprenticeships; and to enter the workforce possessing the tools they need.
Adopting the new standards provides Missouri teachers, and eventually students, a nationwide network for collaboration, according to DESE. Teachers will continue to create lesson plans and tailor instruction to the unique needs of the students in their classroom.
Using the standards benefits families who move from state to state because the standards provide consistent learning goals for all students -- regardless of where they live, according to DESE.
Over the past three years, teams of teachers have worked to create materials, professional development, and curriculum to support districts in their move toward the more rigorous standards. These teachers represented all parts of the state and included those who have been recognized at the district and state level for their excellence, according to DESE. Schools can adopt the model curriculum units, revise them to fit their needs or use them as an instructional model.
"The development of the Common Core State Standards is key to ensuring students across the country are on track for college and career," Commissioner of Education Chris L. Nicastro said Wednesday in a statement. "We believe it's critical for teachers to have a hand in developing the tools necessary to implement the standards successfully. We're proud Missouri will be represented on the Dream Team and pleased that Missouri continues to take a leadership role in the effort to raise the bar for all kids."
School districts have begun implementing and/or are preparing to implement the new standards. However, all school districts must fully implement the standards during the 2014-2015 school year.
This spring, 203 Missouri school districts participated in an assessment pilot for Smarter Balanced tests which will ultimately replace the Missouri Assessment Program tests. At a minimum, 60 percent of Missouri districts will participate in a field test next year. In the meantime, the current MAP tests are still in place and are used for accountability.
Mayes said early this year Sikeston Junior High participated in Smarter Balanced pilot tests in math, and kindergarten teachers have already begun teaching with the Common Core Standards this year. Other school buildings are making preparations for the new standards as well.
Mayes said at this point, he hasn't received any Common Core-related questions from parents of students in the R-6 district. However, he encouraged parents to contact him, their child's teacher or building principal with any questions they have regarding the standards.
"As important as the Common Core Standards are, we really have to look at how we're teaching within the classroom," Mayes said. "... Common core expects students to say an opinion on something but also back that up with proof or justification of their answers."
For younger students, it can be done; it just has to be moved to their level, Mayes said. For example, even a kindergartner can give an opinion and explain it was based on something they've read, he said.
Mayes said he also stresses how the new standards are more about looking at how teachers are teaching in the classroom.
He said: "It's about making sure they're working with our kids and having the students think and process the information."
For information available online, visit www.dese.mo.gov or www.corestandards.org.