Schools gearing up for Common Core
Published: January 1, 2014
With an entire conference strand devoted to the Common Core State Standards, AEC sessions covered the gamut of issues—from technology needs to professional development, special education to English learners.
The technology required to assess students using the new computer-based tests is of particular concern to districts this year, with the $1.25 billion provided in the 2013-14 budget far short of what’s needed to prepare teachers and students. Panelists at AEC’s State of the State session said they’re hoping for another dose of one-time funds for Common Core implementation in the governor’s budget proposal this month.
School Services of California Inc. CEO Ron Bennett noted that the transition will take time, patience, courage and money—“all of which are in very in short supply in Sacramento.” He said he looks to school board members and administrators to be the true advocates for kids.
CSBA members looked to be up to the task at a packed AEC session with Linda Darling-Hammond, the Stanford education professor who chairs the state’s Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Their rapt attention and questions as she laid out the sea change in how teachers guide students through the standards—as well as how student mastery is assessed—demonstrated their commitment to making the new standards work.
Other AEC sessions delved into the nitty-gritty of teaching the Common Core. Panelists at several sessions stressed that mastering the reasoning and writing skills required under Common Core will be a challenge for English learners. Teachers will need to make the Common Core standards relevant to the everyday experience of English learners, noted Shelly Spiegel-Coleman, executive director of Californians Together, a statewide coalition of parents, teachers, education advocates and civil rights groups.
District support for good teachers is critical, she said, adding that the state’s new framework for English Language Arts and English Language Development will help integrate English learners into the Common Core.