Greetings!
My newsletter is designed to be a quick, practical read; strategies you can use tomorrow. This month, we are focusing on the new Common Core State Standards. If you are in a state that is not using those, most of the material applies to any standards. Enjoy this issue, forward it to friends and colleagues, and contact me with any feedback or questions. Coming up next month--rigorous review strategies that work!
Barbara
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Are the CCSSs Enough to Increase Rigor?
Last week, I attended a day of training on the new standards. The CCSSs are rigorous, both within the application-oriented standards themselves, as well as the projected assessments. However, alone, they are not enough to address rigor in the classroom. As one of the presenters said, "the standards do not address what happens between a teacher and a student."
Rigor is more than just a standard. True rigor is "creating an environment in which each student is expected to learn at high levels, each student is supported so he/she can learn at high levels, and each student demonstrates learning at high levels (2008)."
There are several key aspects to consider. First, we have to believe that all students can achieve the new standards--despite our concerns. And we have to act on that belief by supporting each student so they can meet the new standards. That's going to require scaffolding within the classroom and outside the classroom. Finally, formative assessment is critical. That will give you an ongoing way to see what students need, so you can provide that support. |
Are your teachers overwhelmed with the new standards? Many teachers are frustrated about what they don't know--what the final assessments will be, what assessment resources they will have, how they will be measured with the new standards. I recommend starting with what you do know. Provide time for teachers to work in small groups (grade or subject level) to unpack the standards. Ask them to compare them with their current standards, and look for gaps, particularly those standards which will require prior knowledge provided in the new standards. Then, work with other building administrators to allow teachers of varying grade levels to meet and decide what adjustments need to be made now in order for students to be more prepared. Finally, provide manageable resources for your teachers--not an overwhelming amount, but those that will be helpful. In these ways, you can help remove barriers to implementation.
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Did y  ou find an idea you can use tomorrow? Your students and teachers are individuals, so adapt the ideas to make them effective for your classroom or school. If you'd like to share a tip and see your name in my e-newsletter, contact me! You'll find activity templates and more information about my presentations and books on my blog, my website for teachers , and my website for school leaders. Finally, never forget, you make a difference everyday--even when you don't think so!
Sincerely,
Barbara Blackburn
Blackburn Consulting Group |
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Tips for Rigorous Assessment
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I recently reviewed a high school social studies assignment. Students' evaluations were based on the number of current events articles read, rather than the qualityt of their understanding. In fact, students were asked to write simple summaries rather than synthesizing the articles, providing students an opportunity for higher analysis. This in a high school AP course--considered to be one of the most rigorous in the school.
How do you increase rigor? Focus on quality, not on quantity. Provide a clear rubric that incorporates what you expect in terms of understanding, not on completion. If you need to include basic details, make that a small portion of the grade, not the majority.
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Remarkable Resources
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Official Site:
corestandards.org
Check for state-specific links on your state's education site, including which assessment group your state is using.I'm reading:
Understanding Common Core Standards (John Kendall, ASCD) for a basic understanding; Something in Common (Robert Rothman) for a more detailed look at the implications of the standards. |
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