States Schools Rush to Meet Common Core Mandates

posted by: Alix | June 23, 2011, 07:16 PM

Teachers in Crawford County are working hard to accommodate the changes made by the July 2010 Arkansas Board of Education's decision to adopt Common Core Standards in Arkansas. This controversial nation-wide initiative includes clear educational standards and mandates for English language arts and mathematics. While some argue it will ensure all of America's students will be learning the basics, critics assert that the Washington mandates will stifle state-based curriculum.

This summer, Arkansas teachers are currently meeting with individuals who are well-versed in the common core state standards. They are learning how this curriculum differs from the current requirements and how to most effectively implement them in their classrooms. For example, Claire Pence, a literary specialist at Cedarville High School, is working with middle and high school educators in the area, in order to learn the best way of achieving the core standard’s goal of proficiency for students. Pence said that the new curriculum gives students a chance to fully understand the concepts that they are learning, which can help them remember this material longer. Some of these skills are built upon since children starting kindergarten, she told the media.

The standards are expected to be fully integrated into Arkansas' schools within the next four to five years. According to The National Governors Association Center for Best Practices and the Council of Chief State School Officers, a total of 49 states and territories have adopted the Common Core State Standards.

What do you think of the program? Do you think the transition will be difficult?
Comment below.

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