What is All the Talk About the Common Core?

1. What is All the Talk About the Common Core? • In 2010, Louisiana adopted Common Core State Standards in English language arts and math.  • The Common Core State Standards define what students need to learn in reading, writing and math in each grade to stay on track for college and careers. • Common core has more rigorous expectations for student learning.

2. Shifts in Math • Focused, deeper investigation of core math concepts • Logical progression of content to build conceptual understanding • Application of math concepts across disciplines • Focus on ‘why I got the answer’ not just ‘how to do the problem.’ • JES has added 30 minutes to the math period and CAI is now devoted to math (Grades 3-5.) As a result, the math block is now 120 minutes. • Skills test is given at the end of each six weeks to determine skills mastery. • Strong focus on math fluency (math facts) • Students are now required to do a performance task on all assessments.

3. Shifts in English/Language Arts • Shift to informational text, not just literary texts • Deep investigation of fewer, more complex texts • Focus on forming evidence based arguments, both in writing and in speech • Focus on locating and gathering evidence from texts • Focus on building an academic vocabulary across all disciplines (JES is using Larry Bell’s 12 powerful words to assist in building an academic vocabulary.) • Unit tests are given each six weeks to measure skills mastery.

4. Larry Bell’s 12 Power Words • These are the words that stump students when they take standardized tests. Students may feel intimidated or confused by these words causing them to answer a question incorrectly when they know the answer. • Help all students. . . • To better understand what each question means • To become familiar with words that require higher order thinking skills • To relieve test anxiety • To achieve better on tests

5. Larry Bell’s 12 Powerful Words

6. Shifts in Science/Social Studies • Literacy is greatly integrated into the science and social studies classes. • Heavy emphasis on text dependent questions • Many project based activities in lessons • Communication skills are used to assess and articulate findings from projects • A stronger emphasis of writing is now included in the sciences (writing & lab report) and social studies (writing)

7. Assessments 2013-14 Students still take LEAP (grade 4) and iLEAP (grades 3, 5 & 6.) More common core aligned material will be included on the 2013-14 assessments. 2014-15 Students will take PARCC (Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College & Careers) assessments in ELA and Math.

8. Common Assessments Each six-weeks, students will be given a cumulative exam each six weeks to see if students have mastered key skills taught during the previous six weeks period. In grades 3-5, students will be tested in ELA and Math. In grade 6, students will be tested in all subjects.

9. Professional Learning Communities • Every Wednesday, teachers and staff members meet in collaborative teams to • Develop unit plans • Develop unit assessments • Analyze data( unit exams, Dibels, and CAI reports).

10. For More Information • Call 824-4972 or visit the school • Visit louisianabelieves.com website

12. Accelerated Reader