Common Core. It's everywhere now. We talked about it nonstop. We see it in every publication, flyer for workshops, information from the state.
To me, it seems that just a few short (as in, three) years ago, we hadn't even heard of the Common Core. It wasn't so common then, was it?
I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that I don't feel we as educators were given the proper introduction to the Core. Instead of a courtship, I felt like we went on a blind date and then were expected to marry the next day. Would that make you a little anxious about making a relationship last? Considering my husband and I dated for nearly three years before marriage, my answer is definitely "yes".
Once again, though, we are faced with something that is here to stay and that we must do. I, however, feel like the Core could be a really good thing. Doesn't it just make sense that we should all be teaching to some set of standards that are across-the-board? That we know students are all working towards a common goal?
Oh yes, I am well aware that there are numerous problems that can be hatched from this, and that just because we have a common set of standards doesn't mean that everyone will be taught the same. But at least the idea is there, and in theory we will all be better aligned with each other.
In the meantime, don't forget: read the standards, look at what you are doing already, check them off, then begin working to fill in the gaps. Don't try to reinvent the wheel - nobody said what we were doing was awful, we just need to work to be together.
Again, this work is for the betterment of students - and I really do believe it can work.
Below I have provided a link with some great resources for Common Core. The page may seem a bit much at first, but pick one area to go to and work from there. I think you'll find it has some great information.
Common Core Resources - Edutopia
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