Tweet Response: Common Core State Standards

                Common Core State Standards are a set of expectations for K-12 students in reading/writing and math.  The intent of CCSS is to integrate literacy and math into all subjects, since these are skills that are not inherently separate from other disciplines.  Rather, they are tools that students will need for learning in college classrooms, efficiency in their careers, and contributing to society as citizens.

                These expectations were not created nor mandated by the federal government.  Rather, they were developed by a coalition of states and adoption of the standards is up to each individual state.  Adoption of the standards are encouraged by the federal government, and incentive is offered through increased funding for schools.  To date, 48 states and several territories have adopted the CCSS.

                I know most about the writing/reading standards in the CCSS as my dissertation research focuses on science instructor self-efficacy (similar to confidence) in teaching science writing.  I have high hopes for the CCSS, but am concerned that science teachers will not implement science communication effectively.  At this point, many teachers express concern in two areas: lack of time and lack of expertise.  College professors express the same concerns and find students lacking in writing ability throughout their college career, typically blaming high school preparation for their inadequacies.

                The best place to learn more about the standards is the CCSS website.  The standards are very readable, although many teachers feel that they are not very specific.  What I appreciate most about the standards are the integration of technology and publication of student work.  Through Web 2.0 tools, these aspects of the standards open the door for increased partnering within schools, especially since the CCSS is focused on knowledge integration rather than knowledge retention.