Common Core Cautions

With the switch to Common Core, many teachers are left deciphering the language for themselves.  For me, this is the case.  I was reminded this week that while looking at the standards and implementing them into the curriculum it is important to take time for examining their level of rigor too.  This week's article in Edutopia discusses the misconceptions educators may have about the Common Core standards and warns us to take the time to read carefully and make thoughtful decisions.

Source: Common Core Big Idea 5: Consider Meaningful Assessment

Algebra and the Arts? - I say YES!

As a math AND science teacher, I fully embrace the idea of integrating multiple subjects into one's curriculum.  And with math and science, it seems like a no-brainer.  But until recently, I had seen the math/science connection and the english/social studies/arts connection as two separate entities.  It wasn't until the switch to Common Core that I've started to truly embrace the connection to the arts myself.  Reading Susan Riley's article on ReadWriteWeb this week, I felt empowered and justified in my new decision to work on incorporating the arts into my courses this year.  The suggested approaches are simple, and easy to use in a real classroom.  I can see the "mirroring" activity being used in my middle school classes to improve their problem-solving abilities (a big focus of the CCSS); the "stepping into the painting" activity as a way to explore social and environmental concerns in my biology class; and the "call and response" technique in algebra for working on specific concepts.  Above all, I see students being engaged by these new styles and what's better than that!

Source: Using Arts Integration to Enhance Common Core