The Common Core State Standards give me conflicting feelings, although I am gaining more insight as I move through school. Just today I had a conversation with a coworker who used to be a teacher here in Cheney. She brought forth the concern that class has become overly scripted, which I believe is a valid concern. While she has moved away from teaching and into occupational recreation, I still value her ideas, as she has a few years of experience. Over the last year, I have moved away from feeling harshly about the standards, as I see value in all students getting the same kind of instruction. For example, if a student has a parent in the military, he or she does not have to worry about being behind or lost in school after another move. I also see the reliability of the standards, as they push teachers to all teach the same topics and move together as a unit. This ensures that a student is not unprepared or on a completely different path than another student when entering middle school.
On the other hand, I do worry about teachers lacking creativity due to the standards being such a big priority. I do not feel like it has to be this way, but I can see where there are instances that prove the kind of theory my coworker was conveying today. I do not want a scripted or unauthentic class. When every standard is laid before you, it may be hard to remain creative and flexible to every student. Another topic that came up in my discussion with my coworker today was the use of software and systems to teach that do not prove to be inclusive to all students. In rushing to meet all of the standards, are we leaving behind some students? Are we providing the best instruction and meeting each individual need in the classroom?
These are questions that I think are worth looking into. Overall, I agree with the CCSS and stand behind them. However, it might take a little bit more mindfulness on the teacher's side to push creativity in the midst of it. Deconstructing standards may be our best way to do this. By being creative with our learning targets and lessons, common core may seem more authentic to students and parents. I am not completely confident in my ability to do this currently, but I am eager to progress and learn more.
On the other hand, I do worry about teachers lacking creativity due to the standards being such a big priority. I do not feel like it has to be this way, but I can see where there are instances that prove the kind of theory my coworker was conveying today. I do not want a scripted or unauthentic class. When every standard is laid before you, it may be hard to remain creative and flexible to every student. Another topic that came up in my discussion with my coworker today was the use of software and systems to teach that do not prove to be inclusive to all students. In rushing to meet all of the standards, are we leaving behind some students? Are we providing the best instruction and meeting each individual need in the classroom?
These are questions that I think are worth looking into. Overall, I agree with the CCSS and stand behind them. However, it might take a little bit more mindfulness on the teacher's side to push creativity in the midst of it. Deconstructing standards may be our best way to do this. By being creative with our learning targets and lessons, common core may seem more authentic to students and parents. I am not completely confident in my ability to do this currently, but I am eager to progress and learn more.
Hey Emily! I have also had a similar experience in looking at what students are now learning and how lessons now seem very scripted. This is very unfortunate, for students can tell when teachers are simply just reading from a script. It makes lessons less engaging. I think that when we deconstruct standards, we can deconstruct them in a way where we can include creativity. The standards thankfully do not tell us how to teach, so I think that if you are still working towards the standards in your creative activities, you are still doing your job correctly! I am also eager to learn more about deconstructing standards, because I believe that it will get a lot easier with practice. Great blog!
ReplyDeleteHi Emily,
ReplyDeleteI can definitely see the perspective of lessons appearing to be scripted. I think as teachers it is important to use the standards as a guide, not a script. I believe the true purpose of standards are to keep teachers on the right track. The difference between a good teacher and a poor one is their ability to think outside of the box and expand on the expectations. We shouldn't be reading from a book but instead finding hands on activities that students enjoy and learn from. I do believe it can come off as scripted and harmful to education, but I definitely think it falls in the teachers hands on whether or not they want to go above and beyond to exceed education standards. You should never aim for the bar, but instead shoot to be above it. Great connections and outside sources. Your blog really made me think deeper about standards.
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ReplyDeleteEmily, I had the same concerns about the lesson plans giving the teachers little to no space for creativity in how to individualize for their students. I also worried about how the teachers will be able to keep the students on track that are slower learners or have learning delays. I worry that these students will be left behind as the teachers are on such strict deadlines and time constraints. Hopefully we will have the resources we need to make sure all students are successful!
ReplyDeleteEmily,
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I really enjoyed reading your statements about it being up to the teacher to get creative with how to relay these standard goals to the class. This is one of the things that I very much look forward to when it comes to teaching. For me, one of the biggest things when it comes to standards is, as an educator, being able to use my education and knowledge about my subject and the learning targets that come along with it to make learning enjoyable for my students.