CCSS Public Forums
Good morning advocates,
Here is an opportunity for you to participate in a public forum about the CCSS, and whether they should be enhanced , under what process, and what kind of timeline.
If you can't make it in person, then you can fill out an online survey.
Thanks for all you do,
Shelley Kloba
Legislative Director
Washington State PTA
everychild.onevoice.
1.
Attend one of two In-Person Public Forums on November 3 or November 15;
Please note: The Public Forums are meant to provide high level information about the standards and to provide an opportunity for attendees to make recommendations about whether they should be enhanced, under what process and timeline. These events, as directed by the Legislature, will be open to the public.
and/or
2. Complete an Online Survey<http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/635638/Washington-Common-Core-State-Standards> that is available through November 23rd
http://www.k12.wa.us/BulletinsMemos/memoranda2011.aspx
Here is an opportunity for you to participate in a public forum about the CCSS, and whether they should be enhanced , under what process, and what kind of timeline.
If you can't make it in person, then you can fill out an online survey.
Thanks for all you do,
Shelley Kloba
Legislative Director
Washington State PTA
everychild.onevoice.
1.
Attend one of two In-Person Public Forums on November 3 or November 15;
Please note: The Public Forums are meant to provide high level information about the standards and to provide an opportunity for attendees to make recommendations about whether they should be enhanced, under what process and timeline. These events, as directed by the Legislature, will be open to the public.
and/or
2. Complete an Online Survey<http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/635638/Washington-Common-Core-State-Standards> that is available through November 23rd
http://www.k12.wa.us/BulletinsMemos/memoranda2011.aspx
Common Core State Standards WEBINARS September 20 & 22
The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction will be hosting a series of webinars in English language arts and mathematics that will address the transition to the Common Core State Standards in these subjects. These webinars are for all who are interested in developing and deepening their awareness of how the Common Core State Standards will impact student learning in Washington State.
In the first webinars, the Common Core State Standard documents in mathematics and English language arts will be introduced and their design and organization explained. Resources available to support implementation and the latest information available from the SMARTER Balanced Assessment Consortium will be shared.
Registration is required to participate. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email and instructions to join the webinar. Questions will be accepted during the webinar via the Questions Box feature.
Common Core State Standards Mathematics Webinar
September 20, 2011
3:30 PM-4:30 PM
REGISTER AT: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/725539976
Common Core State Standards English Language Arts Webinar
September 22, 2011
3:30 PM-4:30 PM
REGISTER AT: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/877927512
Handouts for the webinars will be posted no later than 9AM on the day of the webinars on the OSPI Common Core State Standards website at: http://www.k12.wa.us/Corestandards/default.aspx. Recorded versions of the webinars will also be posted on the OSPI Common Core State Standards website for those who are unable to participate in the webinars.
Technical questions relating to this webinar may be addressed by emailing Tony Brownell at tony.brownell@k12.wa.us by 3:00 p.m., Friday, September 16th. Please note the system requirements provided below.
System Requirements
PC-based attendees
Required: Windows® 7, Vista, XP, 2003 Server or 2000
Macintosh® based attendees
Required: Mac OS® X 10.4.11 (Tiger®) or newer®
In the first webinars, the Common Core State Standard documents in mathematics and English language arts will be introduced and their design and organization explained. Resources available to support implementation and the latest information available from the SMARTER Balanced Assessment Consortium will be shared.
Registration is required to participate. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email and instructions to join the webinar. Questions will be accepted during the webinar via the Questions Box feature.
Common Core State Standards Mathematics Webinar
September 20, 2011
3:30 PM-4:30 PM
REGISTER AT: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/725539976
Common Core State Standards English Language Arts Webinar
September 22, 2011
3:30 PM-4:30 PM
REGISTER AT: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/877927512
Handouts for the webinars will be posted no later than 9AM on the day of the webinars on the OSPI Common Core State Standards website at: http://www.k12.wa.us/Corestandards/default.aspx. Recorded versions of the webinars will also be posted on the OSPI Common Core State Standards website for those who are unable to participate in the webinars.
Technical questions relating to this webinar may be addressed by emailing Tony Brownell at tony.brownell@k12.wa.us by 3:00 p.m., Friday, September 16th. Please note the system requirements provided below.
System Requirements
PC-based attendees
Required: Windows® 7, Vista, XP, 2003 Server or 2000
Macintosh® based attendees
Required: Mac OS® X 10.4.11 (Tiger®) or newer®
STUDY FINDS COMMON CORE STANDARDS WELL ALIGNED WITH COLLEGE PREPARATION
As you are probably aware, Washington state has adopted the Common Core Standards in both English Language Arts and Math, and is at the early stages of implementing them statewide. A recent study by the Education Policy Improvement Center concluded that the standards are well aligned with preparation needed for most introductory college courses. You can read more about Washington's implementation of the Common Core Standards here, and the "Reaching the Goal" study here.
- from Bill Williams, Executive Director WSPTA
WSPTA Leadership News 9/3/11
- from Bill Williams, Executive Director WSPTA
WSPTA Leadership News 9/3/11
What are your questions about CCSI? 8/24/11
Now that they're here, what are your questions about Common Core State Standards?
Dear Grassroots Connection subscribers,
Last month, Washington officially adopted the Common Core State Standards and this year the state will be developing awareness of the standards and how they build on what we have.
(The standards define what kids need to know to graduate college or career ready, and then identify the stepping stones needed to get there. In general, the steps emphasize fewer topics and deeper understanding. The states have agreed on math and English language arts standards. Science is in the works. PTA has been strongly supportive nationally; reasons why are listed below. Implementation will be phased in, with assessment starting in 2014-15.)
There will be a LOT of communication required in the next year, and the various education and advocacy associations (including us) have pledged to work together to pull it all off. In many ways, PTA is ahead of the curve. National PTA already has a wealth of information online, including a parent's guide that is aligned to the standards. And Washington State PTA started training on the state standards last year.
What we don't have is an explanation of how changes might affect you, your child, your school in the next few years. Or a parent-friendly, Washington-tailored Q&A. So what are your questions?
I spent today in a communications meeting with OSPI and its partners discussing strategies, and gathering questions from the PTA perspective is one of my homework assignments. The main focus in the next 6 months will be on raising educator awareness, but OSPI and the partners are committed to making sure parents understand what is going on, as well. We're doing this because students will understand better what is expected of them; parents will understand better what needs to be supported and reinforced outside of class; and teachers will be able to focus on depth of understanding.
More info:
PTA: http://www.pta.org/common_core_state_standards.asp
OSPI: http://www.k12.wa.us/CoreStandards/Resources.aspx
(See also, Transition to the new standards: http://www.k12.wa.us/CoreStandards/Transition.aspx#DelineatingOrg . great - but brief -- outline of how standards differ from current practice.)
Official website of the initiative: http://www.corestandards.org/
Parents' Guide to Student Success: http://www.pta.org/4446.htm
Please send me your questions. There is quite a bit of information available; we want to make sure it is accessible and we want to prioritize what folks most need to know.
Many thanks!
Ramona Hattendorf
Government relations coordinator
Washington State PTA
www.wastatepta.org
rhatttendorf@wastatepta.org
(mobile) 206-778-8623
2003 65th Ave. West, Tacoma, WA 98466
(office) 253-565-2153
-
-
WHY PTA IS SUPPORTIVE OF COMMON CORE STATE STANDARDS:
Establishing common education standards is one way we can work to address the disparity between standards to ensure that all children, regardless of geography, socioeconomic status, or life history, receive an education that values their potential.
Common standards are good for students because:
· They help prepare students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in college and careers.
· They help make transitions smoother for students moving to different school districts or states because the learning goals remain consistent.
· Clearer standards help students understand what is expected of them and allow them to engage in more self-directed learning.
Common standards are good for parents because:
· They help parents understand exactly what students need to know and be able to do at each step in their education.
· They help facilitate conversation between parents and teachers about how to help their children reach those education goals.
· They assure parents that their children have access to the same high-quality education other students receive in other parts of the country.
Common standards are good for teachers because:
· They allow for more focused professional development and promote collaboration.
· They can inform the development of a curriculum that promotes deep understanding for all children.
· They can give educators more time to focus on depth of understanding and richer units of study
Dear Grassroots Connection subscribers,
Last month, Washington officially adopted the Common Core State Standards and this year the state will be developing awareness of the standards and how they build on what we have.
(The standards define what kids need to know to graduate college or career ready, and then identify the stepping stones needed to get there. In general, the steps emphasize fewer topics and deeper understanding. The states have agreed on math and English language arts standards. Science is in the works. PTA has been strongly supportive nationally; reasons why are listed below. Implementation will be phased in, with assessment starting in 2014-15.)
There will be a LOT of communication required in the next year, and the various education and advocacy associations (including us) have pledged to work together to pull it all off. In many ways, PTA is ahead of the curve. National PTA already has a wealth of information online, including a parent's guide that is aligned to the standards. And Washington State PTA started training on the state standards last year.
What we don't have is an explanation of how changes might affect you, your child, your school in the next few years. Or a parent-friendly, Washington-tailored Q&A. So what are your questions?
I spent today in a communications meeting with OSPI and its partners discussing strategies, and gathering questions from the PTA perspective is one of my homework assignments. The main focus in the next 6 months will be on raising educator awareness, but OSPI and the partners are committed to making sure parents understand what is going on, as well. We're doing this because students will understand better what is expected of them; parents will understand better what needs to be supported and reinforced outside of class; and teachers will be able to focus on depth of understanding.
More info:
PTA: http://www.pta.org/common_core_state_standards.asp
OSPI: http://www.k12.wa.us/CoreStandards/Resources.aspx
(See also, Transition to the new standards: http://www.k12.wa.us/CoreStandards/Transition.aspx#DelineatingOrg . great - but brief -- outline of how standards differ from current practice.)
Official website of the initiative: http://www.corestandards.org/
Parents' Guide to Student Success: http://www.pta.org/4446.htm
Please send me your questions. There is quite a bit of information available; we want to make sure it is accessible and we want to prioritize what folks most need to know.
Many thanks!
Ramona Hattendorf
Government relations coordinator
Washington State PTA
www.wastatepta.org
rhatttendorf@wastatepta.org
(mobile) 206-778-8623
2003 65th Ave. West, Tacoma, WA 98466
(office) 253-565-2153
-
-
WHY PTA IS SUPPORTIVE OF COMMON CORE STATE STANDARDS:
Establishing common education standards is one way we can work to address the disparity between standards to ensure that all children, regardless of geography, socioeconomic status, or life history, receive an education that values their potential.
Common standards are good for students because:
· They help prepare students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in college and careers.
· They help make transitions smoother for students moving to different school districts or states because the learning goals remain consistent.
· Clearer standards help students understand what is expected of them and allow them to engage in more self-directed learning.
Common standards are good for parents because:
· They help parents understand exactly what students need to know and be able to do at each step in their education.
· They help facilitate conversation between parents and teachers about how to help their children reach those education goals.
· They assure parents that their children have access to the same high-quality education other students receive in other parts of the country.
Common standards are good for teachers because:
· They allow for more focused professional development and promote collaboration.
· They can inform the development of a curriculum that promotes deep understanding for all children.
· They can give educators more time to focus on depth of understanding and richer units of study
WSPTA Press Release: Common Core State Standards
Hi council leaders,
Following is a press release sent out this morning in response to our state’s adoption of the Common Core State Standards. Washington provisionally adopted them last year, then spent a year reviewing them. Sup. Dorn officially adopted them today. (The legislature left the decision up to him.)
Nationally, PTA has been a longtime supporter of the concept of common standards and both the National PTA and the Wash State PTA boards endorsed the Common Core State Standards. We join 42 states that have adopted both English language arts and mathematics Common Core State Standards. Another two states adopted only English language arts.
Should you get questions in your communities about Common Core State Standards, a briefing paper with more background and links is posted on our website:
http://www.wastatepta.org/advocacy/CCSSI/common_core_review_spring_2011.pdf
Executive director Bill Williams and president Novella Fraser are the official spokespeople for the Washington State PTA, but often the media will want to discuss issues with local parent leaders. So it is always nice to be informed.
Ramona Hattendorf
Government relations coordinator
Washington State PTA
www.wastatepta.org
Our press release:
-
Washington State PTA applauds adoption of Common Core State Standards
· Parents’ guide available online, http://www.pta.org/4446.htm
Today Washington joins 42 states in adopting the Common Core State Standards in English language arts and mathematics. The Washington State PTA applauds Superintendent Randy Dorn’s decision and the years of hard work that preceded it by teachers, parents, education experts, and others from across the country.
“The common standards will make it a lot easier for families to negotiate schools,” says Novella Fraser, president of the 140,000-plus member association. The standards provide clear, consistent expectations for what students should be learning at each grade.
The goal is to get all children, no matter where they live, working at consistently high standards, and to link those standards to real skills that kids need to transition into adulthood.
“If families can be guided by clear, consistent standards -- across the state and nation – then they can focus on the specific learning needs of their children,” says Fraser.
To support families in the move to Common Core State Standards, National PTA has created the Parents Guide for Student Success, http://www.pta.org/4446.htm, a collection of grade-appropriate activities and learning methods, as well as tips to plan for college and career.
The Common Core State Standards have won praise from independent reviewers. And while Washington earns high marks for its current mathematic standards, it rates a C in English language arts from the Fordham Institute. Fordham judged our language arts standards “clearly inferior” in clarity and rigor to the Common Core State Standards.
“We want all kids to reach their potential – and a big part of that is developing skills in critical thinking and analysis,” says Fraser.
#
About Washington State PTA: Founded in 1905, the Washington State Parent Teacher Association is the largest volunteer organization in the state, with more than 140,000 members in more than 900 local units. WSPTA’s mission is to be a powerful voice for children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and to advocate for the education and well-being of every child. www.wastatepta.org.
For general media inquiries or information on Washington State PTA advocacy, please contact Ramona Hattendorf, Government Relations Coordinator, 253-565-2153, rhattendorf@wastatepta.org
Following is a press release sent out this morning in response to our state’s adoption of the Common Core State Standards. Washington provisionally adopted them last year, then spent a year reviewing them. Sup. Dorn officially adopted them today. (The legislature left the decision up to him.)
Nationally, PTA has been a longtime supporter of the concept of common standards and both the National PTA and the Wash State PTA boards endorsed the Common Core State Standards. We join 42 states that have adopted both English language arts and mathematics Common Core State Standards. Another two states adopted only English language arts.
Should you get questions in your communities about Common Core State Standards, a briefing paper with more background and links is posted on our website:
http://www.wastatepta.org/advocacy/CCSSI/common_core_review_spring_2011.pdf
Executive director Bill Williams and president Novella Fraser are the official spokespeople for the Washington State PTA, but often the media will want to discuss issues with local parent leaders. So it is always nice to be informed.
Ramona Hattendorf
Government relations coordinator
Washington State PTA
www.wastatepta.org
Our press release:
-
Washington State PTA applauds adoption of Common Core State Standards
· Parents’ guide available online, http://www.pta.org/4446.htm
Today Washington joins 42 states in adopting the Common Core State Standards in English language arts and mathematics. The Washington State PTA applauds Superintendent Randy Dorn’s decision and the years of hard work that preceded it by teachers, parents, education experts, and others from across the country.
“The common standards will make it a lot easier for families to negotiate schools,” says Novella Fraser, president of the 140,000-plus member association. The standards provide clear, consistent expectations for what students should be learning at each grade.
The goal is to get all children, no matter where they live, working at consistently high standards, and to link those standards to real skills that kids need to transition into adulthood.
“If families can be guided by clear, consistent standards -- across the state and nation – then they can focus on the specific learning needs of their children,” says Fraser.
To support families in the move to Common Core State Standards, National PTA has created the Parents Guide for Student Success, http://www.pta.org/4446.htm, a collection of grade-appropriate activities and learning methods, as well as tips to plan for college and career.
The Common Core State Standards have won praise from independent reviewers. And while Washington earns high marks for its current mathematic standards, it rates a C in English language arts from the Fordham Institute. Fordham judged our language arts standards “clearly inferior” in clarity and rigor to the Common Core State Standards.
“We want all kids to reach their potential – and a big part of that is developing skills in critical thinking and analysis,” says Fraser.
#
About Washington State PTA: Founded in 1905, the Washington State Parent Teacher Association is the largest volunteer organization in the state, with more than 140,000 members in more than 900 local units. WSPTA’s mission is to be a powerful voice for children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and to advocate for the education and well-being of every child. www.wastatepta.org.
For general media inquiries or information on Washington State PTA advocacy, please contact Ramona Hattendorf, Government Relations Coordinator, 253-565-2153, rhattendorf@wastatepta.org
COMMON CORE STANDARDS MATERIALS AND PRESENTATIONS AVAILABLE FOR YOUR LOCAL UNIT-AND THEY'RE FREE!!
Speaking of the Common Core Standards, the WSPTA Committee also has a video and Power Point presentation that are available to you also for free. You can use these user friendly tools to provide your own mini-workshop for the parents in your school r district, or call on one of the cadre of presenters trained by the committee. For more information or to make a request, please email CCSSI@wastatepta.org.
NATIONAL PTA MAKES 'PARENTS GUIDE TO STUDENT SUCCESS' BASED ON COMMON CORE STATE STANDARDS AVAILABLE ONLINE; WSPTA HAS INFORMATION AND TRAINING AVAILABLE FOR YOU AND YOUR MEMBERS
National PTA has unveiled a series of publications called the "Parents Guide to Student Success" based on the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) in English Language Arts and Mathematics that are being implemented in forty states across the country. In Washington, the CCSS have been adopted on a provisional basis, with implementation to begin in the fall of 2011 unless the Legislature directs otherwise during the session. The National PTA guides provide a grade-by-grade explanation of what parents can expect their children to be learning once the CCSS are fully implemented. Copies of the guides are being mailed to local unit presidents by National PTA, but they are available online now on the National PTA website. Washington State PTA is scheduling additional free training opportunities on the Common Core State Standards. One will be in Spokane on March 26th, and the second in the Puget Sound area in early April. Be sure to watch the website for more information on both soon. Also, WSPTA has a cadre of trainers available to make a presentation to your local unit-to schedule, email Linda Hanson, chair of WSPTA's Common Core State Standards Initiative at lhanson@lhanson.com.
Message from Scott Allen March 1, 2011
National and Washington State PTA leaders were elected to carry out the desires of our membership, in alignment with our purposes in advocating on behalf of children and as determined in our Legislative Principles, Priority Issues, and Resolutions. Your vote on these items at Convention and Legislative Assembly help determine the direction of WSPTA in matters such as this - similarly, National Resolutions (as determined at National Convention) and the Strategic Plan significantly drive National Public Policy and
Advocacy efforts. In the evaluation of Common Core State Standards, the Board weighed the benefits and costs (including risks) and determined that our objectives in supporting high standards and enhanced educational opportunities could be achieved through pursuit and support of CCSS.
As we shared at Leadership Conference, Legislative Assembly, various Region Conferences this last year and numerous emails (LeadershipNews as an example), the Gates Foundation offered grant money to National PTA and sub-grants to State PTAs (Washington State PTA is one of 8 state PTAs who received grant money) to educate and inform members and the public about CCSS. And yes, there are limitations on how the monies are used especially with regard to lobbying (which is prohibited). What it did provide was opportunities to do a couple of significant things - namely, improving our advocacy efforts and resources and expanding our capacity to engage our members.
Advocacy resources that are available to you include training modules on "CCSSI", "Working with the Media", "Advocacy Strategy", "Building Coalitions", "Motivating/Recruiting Members", and "Meeting with Decision Makers". Furthermore, the WSPTA CCSSI Trainers are very interested in helping answer your questions and would be available to bring these modules or schedule a CCSSI presentation for your local unit. If you are interested, please contact our Legislative Director, Angela Falcone, at ptalegdir@wastatepta.org and she will be happy to put you on the schedule.
Scott Allen
President
Washington State PTA
everychild.onevoice.
Advocacy efforts. In the evaluation of Common Core State Standards, the Board weighed the benefits and costs (including risks) and determined that our objectives in supporting high standards and enhanced educational opportunities could be achieved through pursuit and support of CCSS.
As we shared at Leadership Conference, Legislative Assembly, various Region Conferences this last year and numerous emails (LeadershipNews as an example), the Gates Foundation offered grant money to National PTA and sub-grants to State PTAs (Washington State PTA is one of 8 state PTAs who received grant money) to educate and inform members and the public about CCSS. And yes, there are limitations on how the monies are used especially with regard to lobbying (which is prohibited). What it did provide was opportunities to do a couple of significant things - namely, improving our advocacy efforts and resources and expanding our capacity to engage our members.
Advocacy resources that are available to you include training modules on "CCSSI", "Working with the Media", "Advocacy Strategy", "Building Coalitions", "Motivating/Recruiting Members", and "Meeting with Decision Makers". Furthermore, the WSPTA CCSSI Trainers are very interested in helping answer your questions and would be available to bring these modules or schedule a CCSSI presentation for your local unit. If you are interested, please contact our Legislative Director, Angela Falcone, at ptalegdir@wastatepta.org and she will be happy to put you on the schedule.
Scott Allen
President
Washington State PTA
everychild.onevoice.
Message from Ramona Hattendorf Feb 28, 2011
Advocates,
FYI on new resources.
Parent guides to student success ? based in Common Core Standards. (What your child should know/will learn, exercises to do at home, etc. Guides are written for each grade level, K-12). Available in English and Spanish at this time.
http://www.pta.org/4446.htm
For those with questions about the Common Core Standards:
http://www.corestandards.org/about-the-standards
(Check the PDFs at the bottom)
Washington has not yet formally adopted the standards. The math standards are similar to what we have; some concepts are introduced at different times. In general, the goal is to move away from the wide-but-thin approach to math, toward more in-depth understanding of core topics.
There is a bigger difference between Washington$B!G(Bs English Language Arts standards the new Common Core, with the latter getting higher marks.
Some advocates have asked about algebra. Here$B!G(Bs an excerpt:
Myth: The Standards do not prepare or require students to learn Algebra in the 8th grade, as many states$B!G(B current standards do.
Fact: The Standards do accommodate and prepare students for Algebra 1 in 8th grade, by including the prerequisites for this course in grades K$B!>(B7. Students who master the K$B!>(B7 material will be able to take Algebra 1 in 8th grade. At the same time, grade 8 standards are also included; these include rigorous algebra and will transition students effectively into a full Algebra 1 course.
More myths and facts:
http://www.corestandards.org/assets/CoreFacts.pdf
And to clarify:
1. The Standards define what all students are expected to know and be able to do, not how teachers should teach.
2. While the Standards focus on what is most essential, they do not describe all that can or should be taught. $B!D(B The aim of the Standards is to articulate the fundamentals, not to set out an exhaustive list or a set of restrictions that limits what can be taught beyond what is specified herein.
Ramona Hattendorf
Government Relations Coordinator
Washington State PTA
everychild.onevoice.
Office: 253-565-2153
Mobile: 206-778-8623
2003 65th Ave. W, Tacoma, WA 98466
rhattendorf@wastatepta.org
FYI on new resources.
Parent guides to student success ? based in Common Core Standards. (What your child should know/will learn, exercises to do at home, etc. Guides are written for each grade level, K-12). Available in English and Spanish at this time.
http://www.pta.org/4446.htm
For those with questions about the Common Core Standards:
http://www.corestandards.org/about-the-standards
(Check the PDFs at the bottom)
Washington has not yet formally adopted the standards. The math standards are similar to what we have; some concepts are introduced at different times. In general, the goal is to move away from the wide-but-thin approach to math, toward more in-depth understanding of core topics.
There is a bigger difference between Washington$B!G(Bs English Language Arts standards the new Common Core, with the latter getting higher marks.
Some advocates have asked about algebra. Here$B!G(Bs an excerpt:
Myth: The Standards do not prepare or require students to learn Algebra in the 8th grade, as many states$B!G(B current standards do.
Fact: The Standards do accommodate and prepare students for Algebra 1 in 8th grade, by including the prerequisites for this course in grades K$B!>(B7. Students who master the K$B!>(B7 material will be able to take Algebra 1 in 8th grade. At the same time, grade 8 standards are also included; these include rigorous algebra and will transition students effectively into a full Algebra 1 course.
More myths and facts:
http://www.corestandards.org/assets/CoreFacts.pdf
And to clarify:
1. The Standards define what all students are expected to know and be able to do, not how teachers should teach.
2. While the Standards focus on what is most essential, they do not describe all that can or should be taught. $B!D(B The aim of the Standards is to articulate the fundamentals, not to set out an exhaustive list or a set of restrictions that limits what can be taught beyond what is specified herein.
Ramona Hattendorf
Government Relations Coordinator
Washington State PTA
everychild.onevoice.
Office: 253-565-2153
Mobile: 206-778-8623
2003 65th Ave. W, Tacoma, WA 98466
rhattendorf@wastatepta.org
CCSSI LEADERSHIP TRAINERS TRAINING; SIGN UP NOW!
CCSSI LEADERSHIP TRAINERS TRAINING; SIGN UP NOW!
The first round of Common Core State Standards Initiative Leadership Trainers training has been completed and we're looking for applicants for the next round. The next round of training will follow the Emerging Minority Leaders Conference November 13-14. Applications are now being accepted and forms are attached to this message. If you have any questions about CCSSI or the application process, please contact our WSPTA CCSSI Lead Linda Hanson at lhanson@lindahanson.org.
The first round of Common Core State Standards Initiative Leadership Trainers training has been completed and we're looking for applicants for the next round. The next round of training will follow the Emerging Minority Leaders Conference November 13-14. Applications are now being accepted and forms are attached to this message. If you have any questions about CCSSI or the application process, please contact our WSPTA CCSSI Lead Linda Hanson at lhanson@lindahanson.org.
Tacoma forum looks at Common Core school standards
Read more: http://www.thenewstribune.com/2010/10/18/1386392/tacoma-forum-looks-at-common-core.html#ixzz12jJuPNVU
Washington state is one of a majority of states moving toward adoption of common learning goals for students, and educators here are hosting a series of public meetings to gather feedback on the idea.
Fact Box GET INVOLVED
WHAT: Common Core Standards public forum.
WHEN: 6 tonight .
WHERE: Tacoma Public Schools Board Room, Central Administration Building, 601 S. Eighth St.
MORE ONLINE: You can take an online survey at www.k12.wa.us. Click on Common Core Standards on the home page and follow the links. You can also watch an online Webinar on the subject, also at www.k12.wa.us. Click on Common Core Standards on the home page and follow the links. You can register for an Oct. 28 Webinar, or watch a previous presentation.
DEBBIE CAFAZZO; Staff writer Published: 10/18/1012:05 am | Updated: 10/18/10 1:14 am 0 Comments mi.commenting.displayCommentCount(); Washington state is one of a majority of states moving toward adoption of common learning goals for students, and educators here are hosting a series of public meetings to gather feedback on the idea.
A meeting in Tacoma tonight is one of five around the state talking about Washington’s possible adoption of what are known as Common Core State Standards. The gathering is sponsored by the state Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
The standards, which would be the same in each state that adopts them, would define what kids need to know and do in math and language arts at each grade level.
“They are not dictating curriculum,” said Jessica Vavrus, the state’s assistant superintendent for teaching and learning. “They don’t tell states how to teach, or what can or should be taught.”
Instead, the Common Core movement seeks to set common targets. The idea is to ensure that all American kids – no matter where in the country they live – graduate prepared for college and the workforce.
For example, one language arts standard states that first graders should be able to write about two or more events, include a few details about what happened, and communicate the correct time order of the events. By the time they are in their final two years of high school, the language arts standards say, students should be able to draw on texts and other research so that they can participate in a thoughtful, well-reasoned exchange of ideas.
The goal of Core Standards, said Vavrus, is to establish a system that would allow a first-grader from Atlanta to move to first grade in Tacoma without major disruption to his or her education.
“Now, we have 50 states with 50 standards,” Vavrus said. “That alone is a complicating factor for our kids.”
Like other states, Washington already has its own learning standards. One analysis comparing our standards to Common Core found that more than 84 percent of our language art standards align to some extent with Common Core. In math, it’s about 85 percent.
Washington is one of 48 states, two U.S. territories and the District of Columbia that agreed to consider adoption of the standards. In July, state schools chief Randy Dorn provisionally adopted the learning goals. But formal adoption won’t occur until the 2011 Legislature has a chance to review them.
Meanwhile, Washington is working with 30 other states to develop new tests that reflect the Core Standards.
While critics of Common Core have said it amounts to the federalization of local education, supporters disagree.
The federal government did not develop the standards, but states’ willingness to adopt them did play a part in whether states were awarded federal funding during the recent Race to the Top Competition. (Washington was not a finalist for the funds.)
The Common Core initiative has been led by the National Governors Association and the Council of Chief State School Officers. Vavrus said teachers and national experts, along with state education departments, had a chance to weigh in during the writing of the standards.
Debbie Cafazzo: 253-597-8635 debbie.cafazzo @thenewstribune.com
Read more: http://www.thenewstribune.com/2010/10/18/1386392/tacoma-forum-looks-at-common-core.html#ixzz12jJfbFto
Fact Box GET INVOLVED
WHAT: Common Core Standards public forum.
WHEN: 6 tonight .
WHERE: Tacoma Public Schools Board Room, Central Administration Building, 601 S. Eighth St.
MORE ONLINE: You can take an online survey at www.k12.wa.us. Click on Common Core Standards on the home page and follow the links. You can also watch an online Webinar on the subject, also at www.k12.wa.us. Click on Common Core Standards on the home page and follow the links. You can register for an Oct. 28 Webinar, or watch a previous presentation.
DEBBIE CAFAZZO; Staff writer Published: 10/18/1012:05 am | Updated: 10/18/10 1:14 am 0 Comments mi.commenting.displayCommentCount(); Washington state is one of a majority of states moving toward adoption of common learning goals for students, and educators here are hosting a series of public meetings to gather feedback on the idea.
A meeting in Tacoma tonight is one of five around the state talking about Washington’s possible adoption of what are known as Common Core State Standards. The gathering is sponsored by the state Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
The standards, which would be the same in each state that adopts them, would define what kids need to know and do in math and language arts at each grade level.
“They are not dictating curriculum,” said Jessica Vavrus, the state’s assistant superintendent for teaching and learning. “They don’t tell states how to teach, or what can or should be taught.”
Instead, the Common Core movement seeks to set common targets. The idea is to ensure that all American kids – no matter where in the country they live – graduate prepared for college and the workforce.
For example, one language arts standard states that first graders should be able to write about two or more events, include a few details about what happened, and communicate the correct time order of the events. By the time they are in their final two years of high school, the language arts standards say, students should be able to draw on texts and other research so that they can participate in a thoughtful, well-reasoned exchange of ideas.
The goal of Core Standards, said Vavrus, is to establish a system that would allow a first-grader from Atlanta to move to first grade in Tacoma without major disruption to his or her education.
“Now, we have 50 states with 50 standards,” Vavrus said. “That alone is a complicating factor for our kids.”
Like other states, Washington already has its own learning standards. One analysis comparing our standards to Common Core found that more than 84 percent of our language art standards align to some extent with Common Core. In math, it’s about 85 percent.
Washington is one of 48 states, two U.S. territories and the District of Columbia that agreed to consider adoption of the standards. In July, state schools chief Randy Dorn provisionally adopted the learning goals. But formal adoption won’t occur until the 2011 Legislature has a chance to review them.
Meanwhile, Washington is working with 30 other states to develop new tests that reflect the Core Standards.
While critics of Common Core have said it amounts to the federalization of local education, supporters disagree.
The federal government did not develop the standards, but states’ willingness to adopt them did play a part in whether states were awarded federal funding during the recent Race to the Top Competition. (Washington was not a finalist for the funds.)
The Common Core initiative has been led by the National Governors Association and the Council of Chief State School Officers. Vavrus said teachers and national experts, along with state education departments, had a chance to weigh in during the writing of the standards.
Debbie Cafazzo: 253-597-8635 debbie.cafazzo @thenewstribune.com
Read more: http://www.thenewstribune.com/2010/10/18/1386392/tacoma-forum-looks-at-common-core.html#ixzz12jJfbFto
From Grassroots grassroots@listserv.wastatepta.org October 11, 2010
Those who attended Legislative Assembly got a chance to learn more about the new Common Core State Standards that our state has provisionally adopted, along with 35 other states from Alan Burke of the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, as well as from our CCSSI team led by Linda Hanson. These standards are now being analyzed by the OSPI and will be presented for approval to the legislature in January. Below is information about a statewide tour being conducted this month to gather public input. There is also an online survey.
Common Core Standards Goes on Statewide Tour
OSPI to Seek Public Input at Five Informational Stops Around the State
OLYMPIA - The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) will make five stops statewide to share information with the public about the state's possible adoption of the Common Core State Standards in English language arts and mathematics.
OSPI is also seeking public input at the forums and through an online survey because it is required to deliver a detailed report on the common core standards in January 2011 to the state Legislature. The report, as outlined in Section 601 of the Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 6696, will include a comparison of common core and current state learning standards, an estimated timeline for implementation, the cost to the state and districts to implement them, and information about whether or not Washington should make additions to the common core English language arts and mathematics standards.
Common Core Standards Public Forums(all meetings from 6 to 7:30 p.m.)
Wednesday, Oct. 13: Yakima, Educational Service District 105, Ahtanum Room (map)
Thursday, Oct. 14: Spokane, Educational Service District 101, Classroom 1 (map)
Monday, Oct. 18: Tacoma, Tacoma School District Office, Board Meeting Room (map)
Thursday, Oct. 21: Vancouver, Mountain View High School, auditorium (map)
Monday, Oct. 25: Shoreline, Shoreline Conference Center, Mount Rainier Room (map)
More information: www.k12.wa.us/Corestandards/default.aspx
According to E2SSB 6696, formal adoption and implementation of the new standards may not occur until after the 2011 legislative session, which will provide an opportunity for legislative review.
Washington is one of 48 states, two territories and the District of Columbia that agreed to consider adopting common core standards in 2009. In July 2010, State Superintendent Randy Dorn provisionally adopted the common core standards. To date, about 30 states have formally adopted the standards, and more are expected to in the coming months.
In addition to the five statewide stops, the public is invited to watch the presentation online via Webinar on Thursday, Oct. 28 at 3:30 p.m. Interested parties can register for the Oct. 28 Webinar by clicking here or visiting OSPI's Common Core State Standards page at http://www.k12.wa.us/Corestandards/default.aspx. There, you will also find an archived version of OSPI's Sept. 28 common core standards Webinar for viewing at any time.
The five public forums, which all begin at 6 p.m. at their respective locations, will include information on how the new common core K-12 standards for English language arts and mathematics were created and how they build toward college and career readiness. In addition, the forums will contain information about:
About OSPI
The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) is the primary agency charged with overseeing K-12 education in Washington state. Led by State School Superintendent Randy Dorn, OSPI works with the state's 295 school districts and nine educational service districts to administer basic education programs and implement education reform on behalf of more than one million public school students.
OSPI does not discriminate and provides equal access to its programs and services for all persons without regard to race, color, gender, religion, creed, marital status, national origin, sexual preference/orientation, age, veteran's status or the presence of any physical, sensory or mental disability.
For more information, visit the OSPI Web site at http://www.k12.wa.us.
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Common Core Standards Goes on Statewide Tour
OSPI to Seek Public Input at Five Informational Stops Around the State
OLYMPIA - The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) will make five stops statewide to share information with the public about the state's possible adoption of the Common Core State Standards in English language arts and mathematics.
OSPI is also seeking public input at the forums and through an online survey because it is required to deliver a detailed report on the common core standards in January 2011 to the state Legislature. The report, as outlined in Section 601 of the Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 6696, will include a comparison of common core and current state learning standards, an estimated timeline for implementation, the cost to the state and districts to implement them, and information about whether or not Washington should make additions to the common core English language arts and mathematics standards.
Common Core Standards Public Forums(all meetings from 6 to 7:30 p.m.)
Wednesday, Oct. 13: Yakima, Educational Service District 105, Ahtanum Room (map)
Thursday, Oct. 14: Spokane, Educational Service District 101, Classroom 1 (map)
Monday, Oct. 18: Tacoma, Tacoma School District Office, Board Meeting Room (map)
Thursday, Oct. 21: Vancouver, Mountain View High School, auditorium (map)
Monday, Oct. 25: Shoreline, Shoreline Conference Center, Mount Rainier Room (map)
More information: www.k12.wa.us/Corestandards/default.aspx
According to E2SSB 6696, formal adoption and implementation of the new standards may not occur until after the 2011 legislative session, which will provide an opportunity for legislative review.
Washington is one of 48 states, two territories and the District of Columbia that agreed to consider adopting common core standards in 2009. In July 2010, State Superintendent Randy Dorn provisionally adopted the common core standards. To date, about 30 states have formally adopted the standards, and more are expected to in the coming months.
In addition to the five statewide stops, the public is invited to watch the presentation online via Webinar on Thursday, Oct. 28 at 3:30 p.m. Interested parties can register for the Oct. 28 Webinar by clicking here or visiting OSPI's Common Core State Standards page at http://www.k12.wa.us/Corestandards/default.aspx. There, you will also find an archived version of OSPI's Sept. 28 common core standards Webinar for viewing at any time.
The five public forums, which all begin at 6 p.m. at their respective locations, will include information on how the new common core K-12 standards for English language arts and mathematics were created and how they build toward college and career readiness. In addition, the forums will contain information about:
- The SMARTER Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) that was recently awarded a four-year $160 million grant to develop an assessment system for grades 3-8 and high school that's aligned with the Common Core State Standards.
- How the public can provide input so OSPI can determine what the transition would mean for Washington schools and districts.
- The process that would lead to the successful implementation about the common core standards if the state formally adopts them. OSPI will seek input from those attending about the resources schools and districts will need if the common core standards are formally adopted.
About OSPI
The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) is the primary agency charged with overseeing K-12 education in Washington state. Led by State School Superintendent Randy Dorn, OSPI works with the state's 295 school districts and nine educational service districts to administer basic education programs and implement education reform on behalf of more than one million public school students.
OSPI does not discriminate and provides equal access to its programs and services for all persons without regard to race, color, gender, religion, creed, marital status, national origin, sexual preference/orientation, age, veteran's status or the presence of any physical, sensory or mental disability.
For more information, visit the OSPI Web site at http://www.k12.wa.us.
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