As we implement the Iowa Core Curriculum with fidelity in
our classrooms, it is easy to get caught up in the daily grind and attention to
each individual standard as a “single tree”, rather than admiring the “entire
forest”. At our February 14th
professional development, we took a step back, a glance at our curriculum from
10,000 feet if you will, to focus on an article written by Lauren Davis, which
allowed us to look at the shifts that have occurred in our instruction. The article is entitled, “5 Things Every Teacher Should be Doing to
Meet the Common Core State Standards”.
Using the article as the foundation for our activity, we
were allowed an opportunity to celebrate in most cases, but to also reflect on
our teaching practices as a whole. We provided the task to small groups of teachers to become an “expert” on
one of the five shifts. In their
collaborative groups and by way of a jigsaw activity, they were to determine
the meaning of their shift with the intention of being able to share out to the
entire group, but they were also asked to create an argument, as to why their
shift was the most important. We
really had fun with the activity, but the real power was in the affirmation
that occurred through rich conversation, as well as teachers challenging one
another’s thinking as to how we could become stronger within each of these
areas. As we compiled a list of
ways in which we are meeting the shifts, we felt great about our commitment to
the Iowa Core and our implementation, which is occurring with strong fidelity.
To give you some further insight, the shifts described in
the article are as follows:
1.
Lead High-Level, Text-Based Discussions
2.
Focus on Process, Not Just Content
3.
Create Assignment for Real Audiences and with
Real Purpose
4.
Teach Argument, Not Persuasion
5.
Increase Text Complexity
Again, affirmation was high, however we learned that shift
number 3, in particular deserves further attention moving forward. Our new curriculum materials are not
only fully aligned to the core and support rigorous learning at the highest
levels, but again, it is important for us to look at the forest as a whole, and
make sure that we are empowering real and purposeful learning through
activities that include real audiences, rather than spending too much time admiring the “single trees”.
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for supporting us during our professional learning
days. I realize that the early
dismissal days and the full Fridays are not always easy for families, however,
research suggests that of all school related factors that improve student
achievement, teacher’s matter most.
It is our administrative team’s responsibility to ensure that our
teachers are current with the best practices and most aligned resources to
empower learning for every child, every day. This only happens through ongoing and high quality
professional development, and again, I thank you for your enduring support!
All My Best,
Kim Tierney
