Below is information that ran in previous editions of the Instructional Leaders Update, or was sent to administrators via e-mail.
Guidance Documents for the Common Core Learning Standards in Mathematics
As New York State schools plan for the NYS P-12 Common Core Learning Standards in Mathematics, the following two documents offer guidance from the national level; Coming Together to Raise Achievement [PDF], and Learning Trajectories in Mathematics: A Foundation for Standards, Curriculum, Assessment, and Instruction (PDF 1.15 MB) both provide useful information for leaders planning implementation.
March 2011 edition
Standards receive new names
The New York State Common Core
Standards have a new name. They are now called the New York State
P-12 Common Core Learning Standards (CCLS) for English Language Arts
and Literacy and New York State P-12 Common Core Learning Standards
(CCLS) for Mathematics. The new name was adopted at the January 2011
Board of Regents meeting. The standards have been
designed to help our students be prepared to compete with not only
their American peers in the next state, but with students around the
world. These standards will help prepare students with the knowledge
and skills they need to succeed in college and careers. Below are two documents that
may answer many of the questions from the field. One is a
side-by-side comparison of the main organizational features of the
new P-12 CCLS for ELA and the NYS ELA Standards (1996) and ELA Core
Curriculum (2005) [PDF]. The other document is a School
District Implications and Action Steps Timeline for 2010-2015 [PDF]. Also, please visit the toolkit
page for additional resources.
January 2011 edition
Instructional leaders gather insights on qualities of effective schools
Over
the past four weeks, Laura Combs, Connie Miller and Lynne Wells have
gained a great deal of insight from visiting area districts to talk
about needs and goals regarding the characteristics of effective
schools. It has been a very valuable experience and a wonderful
display of the strengths, as well as the commonalities, each
district possesses in this area. Over the next three weeks, they
hope to visit all the remaining districts. During these difficult
economic times, it makes sense for districts to pool resources and
energies, Wells said. “We are committed to support districts as we
move forward in our regional Race to the Top,” she added.
Updates to Common Core Learning Standards approved
On
January 10th, the Board of Regents approved the New York State P-12
Common Core Learning Standards for English Language Arts (ELA) and
Literacy, Mathematics and Pre-Kindergarten. These standards are an
extension of the Common Core State Standards previously adopted in
July 2010.
The recommended additions for ELA and literacy include expectations for student inquiry, culture and diversity, and literature. These concepts are embedded to strengthen and deepen the existing common core for ELA. In mathematics, one addition was made to kindergarten and one to first grade to strengthen the standards. No additions were made for grades 2-12 in mathematics. Implementation of the Common Core Learning Standards will begin in all schools in 2011-12. Classroom instruction is expected to be fully aligned to the new standards by the 2012-13 school year. Assessments that year will test achievement of the P-12 Common Core Learning Standards for ELA & Literacy and mathematics.
Full details can be
found on the NYSED website:
Approval memo for CCSS additions
NYSED's Common Core Standards Initiative page
Board
Regents approve P-12 New York State Common Core Learning Standards
View the Jan. 11 press release from NYSED here.
December 2010 edition
The Common Core State Standards provide a consistent, clear
understanding of what students are expected to learn, so all
stakeholders know what they need to do to help students be
successful. As part of the Race to the Top agenda, New York
will develop models for English Language Arts and
mathematics. This common set of academic standards for
students will help create a common set of rigorous student
achievement expectations across the country to prepare
students for college and career readiness.
Below are links on the NYS Education Department website to
assist you in understanding the Common Core at a deeper level:
