Indiana is one of 40+ states to adopt the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), and integration of those standards into the School Town of Highland's curriculum began during the 2010-2011 school year, based on the Transition Roadmap/Timeline provided by the Indiana Department of Education.
How did we get to this point? During the 2010-2011 school year, math teachers began discussing mathematical practices in the CCSS and how to target those critical skills in our math classes. Our science, social studies, and technical subjects teachers were provided with the new CCSS literacy standards and began collaboration on how to intervweave those into their classrooms. Our kindergarten and first grade teachers met as grade level groups to review the CCSS for their grade levels, compare them to their current curriculum in math and English/Language Arts, and determine how to fill any gaps and eliminate any redundancy. During the 2011-2012 school year, our kindergarten teachers taught only the CCSS in both English/Language Arts and math.
Where are we now? The state has provided the option of moving all grade levels to the CCSS now instead of waiting for the 2014-15 school year. Highland, like many districts across the state, believe it is in the best interest of our students to move to the CCSS at ALL grade levels during the 2012-13 school year.
Keeping our parents informed! The Parents' Guide to Student Success (listed below by grade levels) was developed by teachers, parents, education experts, and others from across the country in response to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) in English language arts and mathematics. The CCSS provide clear, consistent expectations for what students should be learning at each grade in order to be prepared for college and career. Please take a few moments to look at this information; if you have any questions, feel free to contact the Director of Curriculum and Instruction or your student's teacher.
Want even more information about the Common Core State Standards and how you can help your child during this transition to more rigorous academic standards? Check out the
Parent Roadmaps to the Common Core Standards at
http://www.cgcs.org/Domain/36.
