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CAT Tracks for August 8, 2011
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING |
Smoke and mirrors...
At the end of the day, it ain't gonna change a thing.
For my Republican brethren...
Just another example of the Obama/Duncan/Democratic administration's assault on states' rights, forcing school districts to adopt a national socialistic curriculum that indoctrinates our innocent, God-fearing children. (See next posting, courtesy of Rick Santorum.)
From the WSIL TV Channel 3...
Illinois Transitions to New School Standards
By: Emily Finnegan
CARTERVILLE -- Illinois is one of 44 states phasing in a new education program called the Common Core Curriculum.
Teachers will start implementing the standards this fall, giving schools three years to work with the new system. Students start being tested under new assessment guidelines in 2014.
The Common Core Curriculum is a more holistic approach designed to make sure students at each grade level meet specific requirements in English and Math. Administrators believe it will better prepare kids for success after high school. So that means when kids return to class this fall, they'll be learning in a new way.
"It's not only about the content, what students need to know. But what they're able to do with what they know. It's about the application. It's about real-world problem solving," said Susie Morrison, Deputy Superintendent with the Illinois State Board of Education.
The Common Core is a nationwide program; states can opt to participate. Education officials believe aligning curriculums across grade levels and between states, will give students an advantage.
"Be able to compete with kids from anywhere. Not just against each other in Southern Illinois, but to compete with graduates from across the country," said Matt Donkin, Regional Superintendent for Williamson/Franklin Counties
Many school leaders met Monday in Carterville for an introduction to the Common Core. Under the program teachers will start focusing on fewer standards but push kids harder, to learn in new ways.
"Synthesis and some of the higher order thinking skills as opposed to memorization and recall on tests," explained Donna Boros, Jackson/Perry Counties Regional Superintendent.
Illinois has been using its current learning standards for nearly 15 years, and administrators say it was time for an update.
"We are going to be teaching smarter, not harder," Boros said, "And we're looking at depth of curriculum as opposed to width."
Officials hope that will translate into better classroom learning, starting in kindergarten and going all the way through high school.
"It's gonna be good for teachers, but most importantly it's the right thing to do for kids," Morrison told News Three.
The switch to the Common Core Curriculum comes at a difficult time. Regional superintendents are overseeing the transition to the new program, but thanks to the state budget problems their offices aren't currently being funded. Officials don't know exactly who would take over if the state closes the offices for good. Administrators admit that makes future planning difficult.
