I've heard over and over again that it will take a relentless focus to implement the Common Core State Standards with fidelity. This takes courage and resilance. It also takes an understanding of the focus of the standards and an understanding of how they can help students learn more. And I don't think this just means the higher level students in the class. I see the Common Core as an opportunity to help all students learn at a higher level.
But are school districts willing to move out of their comfort zone? Are they willing to look deeply at what students really need to learn and understand and be willing to hold teachers accountable for this? I'm not sure that many are. Maybe it's because the standards have changed numerous times over the years or because government has failed to develop a lack of trust with districts, but whatever it is, it is holding our students back.
I had a conversation with teachers a while back, and they seemed satisfied with their test scores. In fact, they proclaimed that they were teaching well because the district average was around 80% proficient/advanced proficient on the standardized tests. I know you've heard this before, but what about those 20% of the students? Why did no one question the idea that it was okay for 20% of students to be below proficient. I wouldn't want to be the parent of one of the 20%, and even worse, I wouldn't want to be one of the 20%.
I think the Common Core may be a first step in developing the thinkers and problem solvers of the future. We need to strive for high standards for all students and celebrate the different paths that students pursue as they struggle to make meaning of not only math and language arts, but also the world around them.
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