As state legislators continue to debate the adoption of Common Core State Standards (CCSS), teachers, students, and administrators alike are experiencing the frustration of being held in limbo. Many teachers are beginning to implement the standards nationwide, all while some states are second guessing their adoption of CCSS.   Continue Reading...

In recent weeks the controversy surrounding the Common Core State Standards has grown, with the Republican Party officially taking a stance against it and liberal commentators have criticized it, but implementation continues.   Continue Reading...

It’s important to remember that the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) are standards and not structured curriculum.  They’re able to be implemented in a wide variety of ways and with a wide variety of teaching styles.  Contrary to rumors, the CCSS don’t have to mean an end to inquiry-based learning, or project based learning, nor are teachers being handed a list of books that they must read from or prescribed lesson plans.

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A version of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) has been in the works for two years now. These standards attempt to merge science teaching across the country, much like the Common Core State Standards do in English language arts and mathematics. The new science standards were also developed similarly, with several states forming a partnership and authorizing a committee to create them.   Continue Reading...

There is no doubt that the shift to Common Core will bring about a change in not only how instruction is delivered, but also in the way schools operate. In order to meet some of the goals of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), schools will have to shift some of their practices. Individual schools will approach the challenges differently, but there are some universal changes that good schools should implement.   Continue Reading...

Many people view cursive writing as analogous to a spare tire, it's not completely necessary but it's definitely a good tool to have in your repertoire. However, the Idaho State Board of Education highly values cursive, enough, in fact, to make it a requirement for Idaho schools. The measure passed with a recent vote in the Senate.   Continue Reading...

With all the misinformation still being circulated and with the assessments for Common Core State Standards (CCSS) right around the corner, I wanted to take a moment to make sure that everyone is aware of the contents of the standards.  I’ve done this previously with English/Language Arts, and so today I will attempt to do the same with the Mathematics standards.

So, if you know nothing about the Mathematics Common Core State Standards, here is what you should know:   Continue Reading...

 

Along with the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English-language arts and mathematics, new standards are being rolled out across the content areas as well.  The new science standards, called the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), rolled out a draft and are now seeking input on the project.

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In honor of the 2013 Presidential Inauguration, AAE staff attended the U.S. Department of Education Open House last week. The event was hosted by Department of Education staff and was conducted in an effort to engage the education community and showcase various goals for President Obama's second term.   Continue Reading...

This week, AAE staff has the pleasure of attending the American Enterprise Institute's event entitled, "Common Core: What's Next for School Systems?" The panel included several influential education advocates including, Eric J. Becoats, superintendent of Durham Public Schools, David Coleman from the College Board, John Deasy, superintendent of Los Angeles Public Schools, and Joanne Weiss from the U.S. Department of Education. The panel addressed the various concerns and developments associated with the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), currently adopted by 45 states.   Continue Reading...

Previously, I addressed a myth about the English Language Arts Common Core Standards that had been circulating on the internet and in the news.  Today, I want to focus not on myths, but on facts.  If you know nothing else about the Common Core English Language Arts standards, you need to know these five things. Take a look:

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