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Matt Townsley

Ames Administrator Said Curriculum is Sound - Ames, IA Patch - 4 views

  • or eliminating the Iowa Core.&nbsp; Heidi Doellinger, the district's instructional strategist, said prior to the core curriculums each Iowa school district wrote its own curriculum but that changed when the Iowa Core was implemented. Doellinger said they aligned the district's curriculum with the Iowa core and again with the national core. “It's tedious doing this again and again,” she said. Related Topics: Ames Community School District, Curriculum, Dan Woodin, Legislators, Mandy Ross, No Child Left Behind, and Schools Email me updates about this story. [["validates_email_format_of",{"message":"Enter a valid email address e.g. janedoe@aol.com."}]] Website: Thanks. We'll email you the next time we update this story. &nbsp;Email &nbsp;Print Follow comments &nbsp;Submit tip &nbsp; Comment Leave a comment [["validates_presence_of",{"message":"Hey, you forgot to let us know how you feel \u2014 please enter a comment."}],["validates_length_of",{"too_long":"Easy there, Tolstoy. Your comment cannot exceed 1500 characters.","maximum":1500,"allow_blank":true}]] Website: Get Email Updates Send me email updates for this article Would you like to receive email updates about this article? Yes, please No thanks Make a new comment on this article Close Read More in Government <
Bradley Niebling

Iowa Core Curriculum - Home - 1 views

  • academic expectations of the Iowa Core Curriculum and Iowa’s core content standards — or “what” students should know. It also provides performance standards — or “how well” students should perform in certain areas.
    • Russ Goerend
       
      Are these standards just "good to know" or will schools be asked to merge their current standards with those of the ICC?
    • Matt Townsley
       
      From what I've learned...schools will be asked to document how they are meeting each standard. Sort of like quasi-state standards, if you will. Not sure if it is to *replace* local standards though. This is where I'm unsure.
    • Evan Abbey
       
      Districts will need to do an alignment of their curriculum with the core. They must cover everything in the core. My understanding is the core is supposed to be a core, and you should have time to add more than the core for the "local control" component. How they will be assessed is anyone's guess at this time.
    • Bradley Niebling
       
      The Iowa Core Content Standards are Iowa's state standards. This was put into code in Senate File 588 from the 2007 legislative session. So, every district is responsible for implementing all of the Iowa Core Content Standards. As for how this relates to the Iowa Core Curriculum, the statements I've heard coming out of the DOE are that by implementing the Iowa Core Curriculum, districts will be implementing the Iowa Core Content Standards, and going beyond them. Districts are not expected to do any merging or additional alignment work between these two documents. The idea is that if you implement the ICC, you won't have to engage in separate or additional work to implement the Iowa Core Content Standards.
  • Grade spans allow classroom teachers to reinforce and build upon previously mastered concepts and skills, and provide the most appropriate learning experiences for students to successfully progress through grade levels
    • Russ Goerend
       
      I like that "grade spans" pushes teachers in the span toward collaboration. I see that collaboration in the reinforecement and building aspects.
  • success in postsecondary education
    • Russ Goerend
       
      How would you define success in post-secondary education? Thinking back to the near-decade I spent in college, I would say it's a mix of interpersonal skills, finding and pursuing goals and passions, and realizing the importance multiple literacies.
    • Matt Townsley
       
      good description, Russ. The more I teach high school students, the more I think about what it means to "prepare them for postsecondary success." Does it mean lecturing for 60 minutes so that they're used to it when they take Bio 101? Does it mean assigning them 15 page essays in preparation for College Composition? Or does it mean preparing them with the essential content so that they have the appropriate pre-requisite knowledge their freshmen year of college? Or is it a combination of all of the above? I think if we can help them see the "life long learning" thing...AND somehow develop a relentless pursuit for excellence. I think it'd be cool if a student was so fixated on learning that he/she studied every single problem/concept/idea (wouldn't leave me or the computer or whatever other resource alone) until he/she was confident that it was understood. TOTALLY idealistic, but cultivating this type of passion towards learning seems to be a sure-fire ingredient for success at the post-secondary level.
  • ...3 more annotations...
    • Darin Johnson
       
      Must a meaningful curriculum prepare all students for success in postsecondary education? I hope more of the public buys into the idea of a Core Curriculum to address the increasingly competitive nature of a global economy. We are sending far too-many students to college who lack the necessary skills. values, and attitudes to shape our world.
  • meaningful curriculum
  • Come back often to experience review new content and learn about Iowa’s world-class education.
    • Darin Johnson
       
      This poorly constructed sentence needs revision. I'm not sure about the author's intent, but I would suggest something more like this: Come back often to experience new content and to learn about Iowa's world-class education. Moving from comments about style to comments about content, will this website actually help people realize we offer a "world-class education" in our state? Will it be updated frequently so that people will find new content?
Matt Townsley

Iowa Joins 49 States in Common Core Standards Initiative - Iowa Department of Education - 2 views

  • "Iowa is fortunate to have not only state core content standards, but also the Iowa Core Curriculum, which provides rigorous expectations for all students and gives teachers the tools to change teaching and learning in this state," Jeffrey said. "With our recently passed Iowa Core Curriculum, Iowa can easily incorporate national standards because the Core Curriculum provides more explicit guidance to reach high expectations."
    • Matt Townsley
       
      I find this whole discussion of 'common core standards' to be pretty intriguing. Not too long ago, Iowa was the only (?) state that did not have statewide standards - each district was charged was creating its own. Now we're on board with joining a coalition to create national standards. Things change quickly!
    • Gina Martin
       
      They need to be adapted to special education students that are severe and profound....we have to adapt our curriculum to meet these standards, but it would be nice if all schools in Iowa are using the same adaptations.
    • Kim Renning
       
      I find it interesting as well...We (Iowa) should be well on the way with the Iowa Core Curriculum.
  • The goal is to have a common core of state standards that states can voluntarily adopt. States may choose to include additional standards beyond the common core as long as the common core represents at least 85 percent of the state's standards in English language arts and mathematics. The second phase of this initiative is to ultimately develop common assessments aligned to the core standards developed through the process.
    • Matt Townsley
       
      moving towards national assessments?! I wonder what companies like Pearson think of this idea. Not that it really matters, but I could see some special interest groups becoming...'interested' in getting these contracts. Plan on keeping an eye on how all of this progresses.
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    I thought this was interesting...
Matt Townsley

Where Iowa Education Chief Jason Glass is Wrong About Race to the Top and Iow... - 2 views

  • 2.&nbsp; The Iowa Core Curriculum doesn’t just set standards. Director Glass said, “On your point regarding the Iowa Core, I think it’s the state’s responsibility to set the bar for schools to achieve and then allow districts to determine how they get there.”&nbsp; The problem with this is that the Iowa Core does tell districts how to get there.&nbsp; Not only that, but the curriculum is problematic how it presents certain topics and what it leaves out – it is rife with bias and indoctrination. Not only that there was hardly any opportunity for educators and citizens to weigh in on its content and direction.&nbsp; There is a white paper written on the subject and I would encourage Director Glass to read it.&nbsp; I understand that he is new to his position, but I think he has an understanding of the Iowa Core that isn’t accurate.
    • Matt Townsley
       
      Glass reiterates his thoughts on Iowa Core. 
Corey St. John

Introductions! - 26 views

Hello everyone, My name is Corey St. John and I work for the Waukee Community School District. I just finished my 5th year teaching Social Studies at the Middle School and I too am just about fin...

Matt Townsley

Iowa H.F. 45 - 1 views

  • H.F. 45 17. CORE CURRICULUM AND CAREER INFORMATION AND 1 DECISION-MAKING SYSTEM 2 For purposes of implementing the statewide core curriculum 3 for school districts and accredited nonpublic schools and a 4 state-designated career information and decision-making system: 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 1,901,556 6 75,556
  • The funding for implementation of the statewide core 16 curriculum for schools and for the career information and 17 decision-making system are eliminated and legislative intent is 18 stated for amending the law relating to the curriculum.
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    proposed legislation eliminating Iowa Core funding
Dianne Loughren

School Districts Integrate Technology into Common Core-based Curriculum - 0 views

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    This article talks about that as states work on implementing the Common Core they need to integrate technology. Two main points are how districts integrate technology into standards-based curriculum and how districts prepare teachers for standards-based, technology-infused lessons.
Dianne Loughren

School Districts Integrate Technology into Common Core-based Curriculum - 0 views

    • Dianne Loughren
       
      The key idea to this article is that the learning drives the technology. We shouldn't just be using the technology just to say that we have integrated technology in our curriculum. I like how they pointed out that in Des Moines that they are giving ides how to meet the standards through the "lens" of a technology tool. The Tech Tuesday training idea is one that I can see easily being implemented in my district. It would support those teachers who don't have as much confidence in using technology. Using student technology leaders is another great point that is brought out in this article.
Matt Townsley

What is your school doing, re: ICC? - 34 views

Great to have you as a part of the group, Jen! Your observation of educators' uncertainty about ICC seems to make sense. Will it be yet another initiative or will it be something that is sustaine...

ICC

Denise Krefting

Home | Iowa Core Curriculum 21st Century Scenarios - 8 views

  • This scenario database is to be used by educators seeking to find or contributing new ideas to stimulate and offer a variety of Curricula options while infusing 21st century skills within the Iowa Core Curriculum. It is a collaborative project between the AEAs with the goal of providing this database tool as a support for Iowa educators
    • Christine Scott
       
      Denise, as you know the SCEP program has been diligently trying to get Iowa Core and 21st Century infused in all our subjects. A big job, but I have learned so much!
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    21st century skills scenarios from ICC
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    21st century skills scenarios for ICC
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    Great idea for ICC. There is no reason for all teachers to reinvent the wheel for each lesson. Great form of collaboration!
Matt Townsley

The Changing Face of Education in Iowa: Call For Action: Narrowing the Curriculum - 0 views

  • Identify the most important skills
    • Matt Townsley
       
      I think this is where Becky and I think standards-based reporting comes in. Get rid of the "mile wide and inch deep" mentality (at least in math...).
Teresa Bellinghausen

The Changing Face of Education in Iowa: 5 Characteristics of Effective Instruction - 6 views

  • So not only will Iowa's high schools develop implementation plans for the content next year, they will also conduct a self-study to determine which characteristics need attention and put forward a professional development plan to improve in that area(s).
    • Matt Townsley
       
      ICC is a process. To see this change to its fullest extent, the DE is proposing a plan for each district to create a plan to roll it out over several years. (This is how we should/might view our classrooms...focus on making a few changes at a time, but do them well rather than trying to be Mr. Awesome Teacher in all kinds of areas without enough time/thought/trial & error.) <-- this is KEY. What are your thoughts, Russ?
    • Russ Goerend
       
      I like that it is built on reflection and continual improvement. You've explained it to me before as being "what good teachers should be doing." I think all teachers, rookies and veterans, can benefit from an open discussion on that point.
    • Evan Abbey
       
      I'm leery of the plans becoming planning for planning sake, but the intention is good--trying to get at the process of continual improvement, as you mentioned.
    • Teresa Bellinghausen
       
      Evan, there's no doubt that some schools/districts will simply write a plan, then check it off the list of things to do. However, many others that recognize the value in the intent, or spirit, of the IC will approach the process seriously.
    • Lacy Kolpin
       
      Just to piggy back here, I also like it that there are people that are going to reflect on what may or may not be working. Often enough, I don't think that gets done enough. As Teresa said, some and perhaps the majority of schools will just fulfill what they have to, but some will put in time and get some neat things out of this process. I hope that many will take it seriously.
    • Karen Waid
       
      Our district is currently working on the plan. I hope we do a good job so we can implement and use it!
  • Formative assessment is a process used by teachers and students as part of instruction that provides feedback to adjust ongoing teaching and learning to improve students’ achievement of core content.
    • Matt Townsley
       
      I didn't think about this until my 5th year of teaching. What is your "assessment plan"? How will you assess? How often? What will you do if students are absent on assessment day?
    • Russ Goerend
       
      Your comment made me think of the quote we shared with you this past weekend: "our generation wants in 7 years what our parents worke for all their lives." That's what I feel fairly often since I've been surrounded by veteran teachers. There are many times I need to slow down and remember that I'm learning, learning. learning. So, to "answer" your questions, I don't know. I appreciate being able to learn from your experiences.
  • A rigorous curriculum is one that is complex, provocative, and personally or emotionally challenging
    • Matt Townsley
       
      This is a never-ending task. I don't expect to "master" this, even when I'm ready to retire. It involves really thinking about the content and the students and how authentic work can be created by them according to their interests. This is TOUGH!
    • Russ Goerend
       
      Evan had a great comment on this point: "The key is to teach students how to learn that advanced content on their own--to become life-long learners. No one is arguing that teachers aren't cognitively limited; they are. But that is (or should be) irrelevant. To continue the transmission model of education, where teachers have all the knowledge and students have to get it in the approved way, will continue to stunt the growth of students."
    • Russ Goerend
       
      That quote came from this post on Scott Mcleod's blog: http://is.gd/KhNX
    • Matt Townsley
       
      Good point. It's the old 'liberal arts' education lingo...becoming a life long learner. From my experience, it's difficult to get some students to learn the basics, let alone do any learning on their own (the few that come to school because they're required...or only desire a passing grade...or some other sort of grade to please parents). Not saying it can't be done, but lots of thought, motivation and modeling needed.
    • Evan Abbey
       
      One thing I've found is that out of the 5, this is the one that teachers say, "Yeah, I've got this one down". It seems everyone has seen the graphic of the quadrants. What's difficult is, even though we all know we need to be rigorous & relevant, we don't often know which of our lessons truly are rigorous & relevant. The best professional development will give teachers some specific, tangible examples to show how to ramp up rigor.
    • anonymous
       
      This definition is adapted from Teaching What Matters Most by Silver, Strong and Perrini. It's a great read (ASCD)
  • ...4 more annotations...
  • Differences can best be accomplished by engaging in a process which has teachers using student and instructional assessment data to make sound instructional decisions to meet the needs of individual students.
    • Matt Townsley
       
      when formative assessment is done well, differentiation comes naturally. Again, easier said than done....so we need to be patient in this area as we learn the common misconceptions of students in our curriculum, this practice will become more visible over time.
    • Russ Goerend
       
      I saw this on a large scale when I visited Knoxville West Elementary school as part of our IDM team. They had reading data on all students and used it to adjust the instruction for all kids. Do you think formative assessment flows naturally from the assessment to the remedial instruction? What I mean is, say a teacher formatively assesses students, do we assume that teacher is using that data to influence instruction? Is the "changing intruction" part of the definition of formative assessment?
    • Matt Townsley
       
      You hit the big "aha" moment ICC is going to (hopefully) help so many educators in Iowa realize. I sort of feel like differentiation and formative assessment aren't mutually exclusive...one in the same (assess, use data to create new individualized/group instruction to help students move along the continuum of learning; repeat). Not sure if it's worth debating the definitions, but rather seeing the ideas as working together to improve classroom practice. Yes, it is possible to collect data and do nothing with it. This is the major misconception of 'formative assessment,' in my opinion. The analogy of "formative assessment is chef's ongoing soup tasting during prep; summative assessment is restaurant customer liking or disliking soup" seems to fit, but when some educators hear this, they only taste the soup (collect data, quiz more often, etc.) but never make any changes to the soup recipe (instruction). I'm guilty and to be honest thought this way until earlier this year. We can't just assume the data is being used, you're right. In a quality classroom, I think it would be pretty obvious that the data was being used (maybe my class next year?!).
    • Russ Goerend
       
      The only reason I bring up the definition is so everyone is on the same page when discussing it. If some think "formative assessment" is only the assessment and others think it includes the instruction-adjustment, there's a disconnect. That's all. Plus I'm an English guy, so I like definitions. I'm already loving this ICC stuff now that I get "the point." So here's my big thought of the day: how are college education programs going to use the ICC? If the state has defined effective practices, will colleges follow suit in what they focus their teaching on...both in the ed. training programs and how the faculty teaches?
    • Matt Townsley
       
      I think ICC defines formative assessment as a process of both collecting the data and modifying instruction: From ICC, Module 5: "Assessment FOR Learning (Formative Assessment): Formative assessment is a process used by teachers and students as part of instruction that provides feedback to adjust ongoing teaching and learning to improve students' achievement of core content. As assessment FOR learning, formative assessment practices provide students with clear learning targets, examples and models of strong and weak work, regular descriptive feedback, and the ability to self-assess, track learning, and set goals. (Adapted from Council of Chief State School Officers, FAST SCASS)."
    • Matt Townsley
       
      Not sure how/if it will impact higher ed. Impact on higher ed. will surely aid in determining success of ICC, but won't necessarily directly affect our day-to-day instruction. If new staff are trained with ICC in mind, it would help the process along. To be realistic, I think it takes extended classroom experience to get a grasp on what an abstract idea such as "assessment for learning" truly is. Nonetheless a theoretical framework (aside from modifying/extending student teaching/practicum as you and I have discussed previously), is one possible step forward.
    • Teresa Bellinghausen
       
      You both make excellent points, and I like the "chef" anaology. As far as post-secondary ed is concerned, some of them are coming to the table to at least sniff the soup. Eventually, I think they'll buy the whole meal because (1) schools will be demanding that teacher ed programs include the IC, and (2) students who have experienced full implementation of the IC in high school will demand the same of their experiences at the post-secondary level. It's just going to be a long-term process.
  • In Student-centered Classrooms, students construct their own knowledge based on experiential, holistic, authentic, and challenging experiences.
    • Matt Townsley
       
      From what I know about you, Russ, I think you'll do well in this area (student-centered classroom). Realistically, this can only be done "well" with a solid classroom management plan coupled with a focused look on the desired culture of your classroom.
    • Russ Goerend
       
      I appreciate you saying that, Matt. It struck me as funny, mainly because of what I emailed you last night: "I'm nervous about classroom management/atmosphere." :)
    • Matt Townsley
       
      See other bookmark in this group, re: Harry Wong and procedures. Wish I would have known Wong (and implemented it) earlier on. You'll be much wiser and knowledgeable than me. Read the book and/or the website. Becky probably has the book. I can email you my procedures if you're interested. Rehearse! It seems goofy and a strange use of time for the first few weeks, but pays huge dividends. Once procedures are established, you can shape the culture (a la more student-centered) and build relationships with students to your heart's content.
  • while these 5 characteristics are essential to a successful school, they are not necessarily mutually exclusive of each other.
    • Matt Townsley
       
      Amen, Evan! See my notes on differentiation and formative assessment. They go together!
    • Evan Abbey
       
      It's my gut feeling that the DE thinks this is implicit; that everyone knows this. But given that the DE's main role is in checklist accredidation, they'll need to be a bit more explicit to districts, or I think they will have districts treating each one separately.
    • Matt Townsley
       
      Great point, Evan. I would venture to guess that the majority of the educators I know would say that "assessment" and "instruction" are mutually exclusive entities. I hear things all the time like "Today is quiz day" rather than viewing it as an ongoing activity. I discussed my thoughts related to this topic here: http://bit.ly/NBqyH This will be a HUGE task on the DE/AEAs part, in my opinion...helping Iowa educators see the conceptual connection as well as how it looks (and doesn't look) in practice.
  • Teaching for Understanding is leading students (to engage in a variety of thought-provoking activities such as explaining, finding evidence in examples, generalizing, connecting, applying, making analogies, and representing the topic in new ways.
    • Rob Kleinow
       
      This characteristic is always one that concerns me because of the word "understanding" I think it will be interesting how these definitions of understanding evolve through the process
anonymous

Iowa Department of Education 21st Century Skills - 0 views

  • Friedman
    • Matt Townsley
       
      Have you read Friedman? I have a little...there's also plenty of push-back on this guy's ideas.
  • (1) critical thinking and problem solving; (2) collaboration and leadership; (3) agility and adaptability; (4) initiative and entrepreneurialism; (5) effective oral and written communication; (6) accessing and analyzing information; and (7) curiosity and imagination.
    • Matt Townsley
       
      I think these are all great...but think back to the '5 essential characteristics' and formative assessment, etc. How will we be able to "assess" these skills? It's tough to assess these soft skills, in my opinion.
    • Russ Goerend
       
      Yes, these are definitely broad topics. What underlying, assessable skills make up these survival skills?
Matt Townsley

The Iowa Core Curriculum. Perfect? No. Enhanced Rigor? Yes. | edventuresome - 2 views

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    John Nash's thoughts on Iowa Core
Matt Townsley

Iowa Core Curriculum & 21st Century Skills - 2 views

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    music educators make connections with 21st century skills. 
Matt Townsley

That Alignment Guy: Introduction to Curriculum Alignment Foundations Series - 4 views

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    Brad's series will likely be a must read for folks looking at outcome 4 this year and next. 
Michelle Hill

Iowa Core Curriculum facing uncertain future - 1 views

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    Once a month a small group of Irving Elementary School teachers gather to talk shop. It isn't just water cooler conversation about who's causing problems in class. They are comparing literacy strategies and best teaching practices. They bring samples of teaching resources and technology.
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