Scholastic recently released some early results from the
third edition of Primary
Sources, a survey of more than 20,000 teachers across the nation. The early
release highlighted three major findings concerning teachers’ views on the Common Core State Standards, which in
Kentucky are called the Kentucky
Core Academic Standards. Here are the key findings.
Awareness –
Teachers’ awareness of the Common Core State Standards is now universal.
Approximately 97 percent of teachers surveyed were aware of the Common Core
State Standards.
Impact – Teachers
expect the Common Core to enhance students’ ability to think critically and use
reasoning skills. This is especially true of teachers who have the most
experience with standards including math and English/language arts teachers,
and those who teach elementary grades.
Implementation –
Teachers are enthusiastic about implementation. At the same time, teachers
share the realistic view that implementation is going to be challenging and
have concerns for specific student populations, but are able to point to
supports and resources needed to help these students.
I really enjoyed reading a few of the quotes from teachers.
“I think it’s about time that
we implement the Common Core State Standards. It’ll give consistency district
to district. We should have done this years ago.”
“It’s going to be a
huge mind shift for both students and teachers. With Common Core, we need to
allow for exploration so students can learn more ‘why’ now.”
“I feel strongly that
the Common Core State Standards will do wonders for education. For the first
time in a long time, I think education is getting back on track.”
With all the political gamesmanship over the Common Core
State Standards, it is essential that we listen to our teachers. So, I have
asked staff to survey Kentucky teachers with questions similar to those in
Primary Sources. I believe the results will be even more positive from Kentucky
teachers because they have been working to implement the standards since 2010.
Once we have the response back from our teachers, we will provide this
information to the House and Senate Education members and hope that they listen
to teachers rather than special interest groups who are spreading
misinformation about the Common Core State Standards.
Teachers are not alone in their support for the Common Core. This week I read an article that reported the Common
Core State Standards also have strong support from the military. Military children
will relocate at least twice during their school careers and having common
standards across states will allow them to continue their education with the least
amount of disruption. In addition, common standards will help Department of
Defense Schools raise educational expectations, and improve their efficiency
and effectiveness. Kentucky is home to two military bases – Fort Campbell and
Fort Knox. Both bases work closely with local school districts. By using common
standards across states, those children who move into Kentucky from other
states will have an easier transition.
The teachers know about this already and they know the right standards that every teacher needs to understand. You can find current education issues regarding this so it is best if you are knowledgeable.
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