By Talia Gerard
Staff Writer
Most teachers and students are not adequetly informed about Common Core State Standards, and teachers need professional development. However, once Common Core is properly implemented it will a great program for Costa and the state of California.
Common Core is a computerized test that is the same nationwide. With STAR testing each state had its own standard which led to a confusion of what a common student should know going into college. The new system is designed in order to make each high school graduate ready for college or the job market in all states.
According to math teacher Kelly Donovan, teachers will need to be more creative in the classroom as constructing thought-provoking conversations in every curriculum will be important. While she is excited for the change, it will take time for teachers to adjust. Despite this adjustment period, Common Core standards-based lessons will be beneficial to students as they go beyond the surface of a topic and require a deeper understanding.
Lots of people only know that we are leaving behind STAR testing for a new kind of test, but that is the extent to their knowledge. The staff, as well as students, should become more knowledgeable about Common Core standards, and there should be workshops and designated staff development days to focus on its implementation. The teachers need more time to develop lesson plans geared toward the new standards and to educate their students about the transition.
According to Principal Dr. Ben Dale, in order to test the system, Common Core testing will be for juniors only, and students will only be tested in English and math. It is a field test for the exam, the questions, and the school’s technology. The fact that this year the test is soley a trial and will not count towards a students’ academic profile is appropriate considering it is a new system that is bound to encounter errors. Additionaly, the trial will be useful in showing studend and teacher preparedness before the standards are officially implemented in the 2014-15 school year.
According to Junior Emma Zimmerman, juniors and many other students are under informormed about Costa’s transition to Common Core testing. As soon as teachers and administrators finalize the state testing schedule, it should be avalible to students. If students are not adequately informed there will confusion and the trial will not be efficent.
The junior trial period is a necessary preparation in order for a successful switch to Common Core testing, but students and teachers need sufficent time and up-to-date information in order to implement it smoothly. While the Common Core transition may come with a learning curve, it will eventually benefit students.
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