Beating the Common Core

For all of the anxiety surrounding the "new" teacher accountability model - I say, "Calm down." The New Teacher Project is driving the change toward a more formidable education system. The thrust behind this hovers the question: why are not ALL children learning? Tons of research points to numerous reasons. For example, household income makes a difference, parent education levels make a difference, community resources make a difference. This list can go on and on. I beg the question: how did students learn "back in the day" when they hardly had any of the these things that the experts claim they need now in order to be successful? When I was in elementary school, I cannot recall doing one science hands-on activity. I majored in Chemistry and did biomedical research for a number of years. Go figure!

The hard truth is - some of these policy makers are designing formulas as they go along.

On the horizon is the newest and more "improved" teacher accountability - The Common Core.

If you are a teacher who happens to be nervous beyond belief, allow me to calm your fears. There are two main components to PASSING:

1. You must make a 3 or 4 on your formal observation (Your state may use a variety of coding)

2. You must make certain that your students perform "Good" or "Excellent."

Now, this is the easy part - this can be done with very little "shifts."

For example, all states have standardized testing resource materials. These materials have SAMPLE questions. What throws students off a great deal is that the real test "feels" so much different than the sample exercises. When you review the questions and answers with your students, create a method by which you can assess if they understand why the wrong answers are wrong. (see chart below)

It's very easy to review correct answers. But, what happens when the test makers create narratives which contain why the wrong answers are incorrect and the question turns into one of those "except" babies? Your students are doomed if they are not prepared for the switch.

If you use this method, I can guarantee you an increase in test scores. To make the process a more meaningful one, allow the students to write short responses to how they arrived at the answer.

Here's what you will discover:

1. Points of common confusion.
2. Points of common strengths.
3. How well you're making an impact.

This knowledge will make you a more effective teacher. Allow the students to LEAD the discussion, to correct common errors in thinking, and to create an envirnoment where they feel comfortable asking questions.

The basis of how questions are designed in this new era of testing is to test students on how well they can work through similations involving

* cooperative (team) groups who work to solve problems
* formulating the "root" question to a real life challenge
* making choices based on concrete evidence

You can BEAT this evaluation process with simple changes that have a huge impact on student achievement.

For more advice or personal professional development sessions, contact me at calltoteach1@yahoo.com.

Subject line: Help! Common Core

Question	A	B	C	D	E
1

√ = my choice      X = totally erroneous information    NS = unrelated information/makes no sense

IF = Incorrect formula/math is incorrect      UT = untrue/no evidence   IDK = I don't know/no clues

Sample:

What is the chemical formula for iron (III) oxide?

A.

Fe2+

B.

NaCl

C.

I2

D.

Fe2O3

Your student responses should look like:

Question	A	B	C	D	E
1	X	NS	NS	√

If you take the time to explore this method, your students’ scores will increase.You may design your own symbols. But, the process is the same. This process works for any subject.