Week 4: Scavenger Hunt Reflection

Once complete, summarize what you have learned in a blog post.  Cite your sources. 

Completing the scavenger hunt allowed me the opportunity to review the Common Core Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science and Technology more closely. As a current computer teacher I am most often concerned with the NETs National Technology Standards. I currently strive to incorporate the common core standards for Math and English/Language Arts, but have not reviewed these standards this closely or extensively. Upon reviewing these standards I was able to see ways that I could incorporate other standards into my class, but also how my team members and other teachers could enhance their curriculum to better enhance these standards. 

Upon reviewing the standards for College and Career Readiness the goals and expectations are in the best interest of the students. The standards strive to prepare all students to be college and career ready no later than the end of high school (Common Core State Standard Initiative, 2010). The National Common Core Standards, strive to provide all students with an equal learning opportunity; with constant expectations and outcomes. By providing the entire country with a common set of standards all teachers in the United States will be teaching the same material. This allows all students the availability of receiving the same education, making transitions easier when students move or if a districts is forced redistrict/rezone school areas. 

By attending the workshop on the common core, I became more aware of the steps and stages that a school district processes through as they transition to the common core. My own school district is currently going through a lot of changes in terms of curriculum and implementing the common core, while also trying to tackle science curriculum concerns. While attending this workshop I was able to identify some of the steps my school district is striving to provide us with, and gather a better understanding of the curriculum implementation process. 

Listening to other teachers, principals, reading specialists, and college professors provided a well rounded view of the implementation process. By having a well diverse panel to discuss the topic of the common core standards, as they relate to English and Math respectively, panelist were able to offer unique, real-life, efficient information about the Common Core Standards. 

Overall, I found reviewing the Common Core Standards and the standards for College and Career Readiness to be beneficial because this experience allowed me to expand my knowledge of standards, and process how these standards are going to relate to my subject area. As standards are becoming revised, numerous standards are no longer being confined to one subject area, instead standards are being disbursed across multiple content areas allowing students to use their skills in a variety of ways to explore different concepts and ideas. 

Works Cited

Common Core State Standard Initiative. (2010, June 2). Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science and Technical Subjects. Retrieved from New Hampshire Department of Education: http://www.corestandards.org/assets/CCSSI_ELA%20Standards.pdf