Common Core State Standards - Middle School

Hi Class,

I enjoyed watching this video that gave details of the common core standards and how they work during pilot program studies in New York middle schools.  For our future learners and educators, I feel the pilot programs expressed that there will be a brighter future for our students; with the advantages outweighing failures.  The adopted CCS will emphasize a state-to-state partnership that will prepare students for college and career success and once all are comfortable with the new standards format, I believe the opportunities are numerous.

Within the Middle School level the video speaks about a re-structuring of core class standards, specifically Math and Language Arts modifications, but also across the curricula.  This re-structuring adopts new standards and broad skills for Mathematical practice and changes to the main “strands” within Language Arts.  This will create “accountable talk”, in depth analysis and collaboration, and peer-to-peer learning strategies.

In Math, many middle school students stress upon getting the right answer without the acknowledgement of communicating, speaking, listening or sharing ideas.  Some of the changes the CCS hopes to address are; getting kids in small group discussions more readily that differs from old standard concepts and giving students independence to discover, make mistakes and collaborate together to find solution.  This would thus reduce the need to get answers from the teacher and produce meaningful peer learning.  Furthermore, as stated in the video, the new CCS are designed to be, “more coherent, rigorous and focused”, which means fewer topics are covered, but in greater depth.

In Language Arts, , the video explains that many middle school students have relied too much on writing personal narratives that do not prepare students for college or careers.  The new CCS wants to emphasize expository and persuasive essay writing and expand student led verbal discussions. As stated the adaption of these standards will, “provide in depth analysis creating rigorous unit plans.”  The video also discusses a need for students to read more complex text, increasing their nonfiction reading and writing.    

The piloted programs in the video convinced me that students will achieve and persevere with the advent of the Common Core State Standards, but it will take time to adjust and fiscal modifications to our already fragile educational system.  Though, as John King NYS Educational Commissioner hypothesized in the video, “with the investment of time and money and the redirection of current dollars,” it will be feasible for the students to gain mastery of the standards.  Further, with the projected success of the CCS it will produce students who are college and career ready which, he stated, “… is a prerequisite for the economy getting better”.

Thomas J Slipper

Thompson, M. (Producer).  (2011). Education Update. Common Core State Standards: Middle School. Teaching Channel. Video retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SC4OG11zOC8&feature=youtu.be