Thursday, June 13, 2013

Bold Steps? by Larry Lee

Education Matters

By Larry Lee


It was exciting to read recently that one of the GOP leaders of the Alabama House said, “It is time to take bold new steps and leave the broken status quo behind.”  I could not agree more.

Obviously Dr. Tommy Bice, state superintendent of education, feels the same way.  In fact, the statement of the legislator echoes what Bice said last winter when speaking to the legislative education budget committees.  “We have bold plans and high expectations of everyone involved in public education,” Bice told committee members.

So when are we going to start with these “bold steps?”

This last legislative session would have been a great time, especially considering that Dr. Bice, along with lots of help from many people, has put together an excellent outline of what our public education needs are in his Plan 2020.

What sets this plan apart from so many others is that it truly takes a comprehensive look at education by focusing on all the areas that must be addressed if we’re to have quality education in quality schools being led by quality educators. 

It details priorities and objectives in four areas: 1) students, 2) support systems, 3) education personnel and 4) schools and systems.  Of these, the recognition that attention must be paid to factors that impact students outside the classroom is especially significant.  Each day 150,000 Alabama students attend a school where there is at least an 80 percent poverty rate.  These are the schools most prone to fail and these are the students who are most likely to need health care, vision screening, hearing screening, mental health counseling, etc.

Some systems are already addressing such needs.  The Florence City System has a partnership with a local mental health agency that provides counselors to schools; in Gadsden City there is a health clinic at Adams Elementary manned by a local health provider.  In many systems there are churches and non-profits that provide food for needy children for the weekend.

But filling these, and other Plan 2020 needs, takes resources.  This is why Bice’s budget proposal re-directed funding in a number of cases.  He was not asking for new money, but rather, asking to take the “bold step” of setting new priorities.

Unfortunately, no one paid much attention.



For instance, since the Alabama Reading Initiative (ARI) devotes considerable resources to professional development, the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) asked that $10 million be shifted from ARI to a more inclusive professional development program for teachers and principals.  This was not funded, but ARI was still cut by $10 million.

Is that a “bold new step?”

They asked for $5 million to work with family resource centers to provide more of the critical support system needs of high poverty students.  Again, they got ZERO.

Another “bold new step?”

They asked for $19.1 million to cut class sizes and restore lost teacher units.  ZERO again.

Again, a missed opportunity for a “bold new step.”

They asked to restore funding for textbooks to $75 per student, as it was in 2008.  Instead, this was level funded at last year’s rate of $31.50.

How in the world do you underfund textbooks and claim you are taking “bold new steps?”

About 360,000 kids ride buses each school day.  The actual cost of providing transportation is $323 million.  But the state only funded $304, leaving a hole of $19 million.

So evidently leaving rural school systems to pay for things the state is supposed to pay for is considered a “bold new step.”  The same can be said for setting aside funding for controversial new programs professional educators did not support, while not increasing support for proven programs such as the Alabama Math & Science Technology Initiative (AMSTI) and the distance learning program.

Yes, we need “bold new steps.” But we need to do more than talk about doing so.  You can’t run a bus on political “spin,” or reduce class sizes or buy textbooks.  Dr. Bice and the State Board of Education have the plan in place to move our schools forward.  They just need help from the folks controlling the purse strings--help that was woefully lacking this year.


Larry Lee led the study, Lessons Learned from Rural Schools, and is a long-time advocate for public education and frequently writes about education issues.  larrylee33@knology.net



Thursday, June 6, 2013

Huckabee Supports CCSS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 4, 2013

Contact: ExcelinEd Press Office
850-391-4090

PressShop@ExcelinEd.org
Governor Mike Huckabee: Join Me in Supporting
‘State-Driven’
Common Core Standards

WASHINGTON, DC – As states across the nation raise the bar on academic standards for American students, the Foundation for Excellence in Education announces that former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee sent the following letter to Oklahoma lawmakers, urging the continued bold adoption of rigorous Common Core State Standards in schools:

Dear Oklahoma Lawmakers:

As a conservative who served as governor for a state that shares the values of the very Oklahomans you represent, I’m writing to encourage you to resist any attempt to delay implementation of the improved standards adopted by your State Board of Education in 2010. Many of you voted in favor of these standards in 2010. You were right to stand for these improved standards then and you are right to stand for these improved standards still today.

These standards, known as Common Core State Standards, have been near and dear to my heart since I served as Governor of your neighboring state of Arkansas. And it’s disturbing to me there have been criticisms of these standards directed by other conservatives including the RNC. The truth of the matter is, these criticisms are short-sighted.

Like many of you, I’ve heard the argument these standards “threaten local control” of what’s being taught in Oklahoma classrooms. Speaking from one conservative to another, let me assure youthis simply is not true. States and local school districts will determine how they want to teach kids, what curriculum to use, and which textbooks to use.

These Common Core State Standards evolved as governors and state leaders were talking about what we could do together to raise standards--not a Washington solution, but avoluntary effort on the part of the leaders of the states. In fact, conversations about these standards began long before President Obama occupied the White House.

Common Core State Standards are a state driven solution to address the large number of high school graduates who have to take remedial courses in college. In your state of Oklahoma, six out of every ten students who go to college need remedial courses. That’s a lot of money being thrown out of the window by families who’ve worked hard to be able to send their child to college. Imagine finding out your child’s ACT test score wasn’t high enough to get her into college, or that she if she did get in, ended up taking two semesters worth of classes that don’t count toward her college degree. That means you’re paying university prices for what your child was supposed to learn for free in high school.

From an economic and workforce development perspective, these standards are critical. Innovation driving the successful companies in Oklahoma requires them to have the best people. That means having an education system that consistently delivers a quality education so that every child graduates high school prepared for college and career. These standards ensure Oklahoma remains competitive in the race to attract companies with the highest paying jobs for Oklahomans that deserve nothing less. Not only do these standards help the Oklahoma economy, they also help the families serving our country. Children of military families will not fall behind when their parents, who've chosen to defend our freedom, are asked to move from Fort Benning, Georgia to Fort Sill in Lawton or Vance Air force base in Enid.

I hope you’ll join me and other conservatives, including many Oklahoma parents, educators and business leaders, in making it known these standards are valuable for our future. They’re not something to be afraid of; indeed they are something to embrace.

Best,


Governor Mike Huckabee

# # #

To view the this letter online, please visit
http://bit.ly/14dNqzr.

To learn more about the Foundation for Excellence in Education, the movement to dramatically raise academic standards and the Common Core State Standards Initiative, please visit
www.ExcelinEd.org.



TheFoundation for Excellence in Education is igniting a movement of reform, state by state, to transform education for the 21st century economy. Excellence in Action, the organization’s flagship initiative, is working with lawmakers and policymakers to advance education reform across America. Learn more athttp://excelined.us4.list

Monday, May 6, 2013

Pretty Good (CCRS Student Poem)

Pretty Good

Written by an Alabama High School Student 
about our College and Career Ready Standards

There once was a pretty good student, who sat in a pretty good class
And was taught the state standards by a teacher, who let pretty good pass.
He wasn't terrific at reading; he wasn't a whiz-bang at math. 

But the state standards for his education led straight down a pretty good path.
He didn't find school too exciting, but he wanted to do pretty well,
And he did have some trouble with writing, and nobody had taught him to spell.
When doing arithmetic problems, pretty good was regarded as fine. 

Minimal standards were enough, with no need to be challenged all the time.
The pretty good class that he sat in was part of a pretty good school. 

And the student was not an exception; on the contrary, he was the rule.
The pretty good student in fact was part of a pretty good mob. 

The first time he knew what he lacked was when he looked for a pretty good job.
It was then, when he sought a position, he discovered that life could be tough, 

And he soon had a sneaky suspicion pretty good might not be good enough.
The pretty good student in our story lived in a pretty good state, 

Which had pretty good minimum standards, and prayed for a pretty good fate.
There was once a pretty good nation, pretty proud of the greatness it had, 

Which learned much too late, 
If you want to be great, 

Pretty good is, in fact, pretty bad.


Saturday, May 4, 2013

Social Justice is Bad?

Working Draft

So Let Me Get This Straight....
Social Justice,  Women's Rights, and  Environmentalism are Now Bad?  


I'm really confused, and I need some clarification, as does just about everyone I've spoken to about this topic.  We keep hearing from some conservative groups that President Obama and other "liberals" are trying to push social justice, women's rights, and environmentalism down our children's throats through the "Common Core Initiative" and that the media is doing the same to the general public. 

I think I've already addressed how math and English standards can't possibly indoctrinate our students with anything, other than good grammar and math skills.  Feel free to visit my other blog posts for more of my thoughts on that. 

However for tonight,  I did want to explore what propels folks to suddenly abhorre social justice, women's rights, and environmentalism.  I just don't get it.  I've done a  little research and engaged in some twitterfests, just to glean some information and perspective, but all I've come to learn is that it basically  all boils down to this....

Social Justice = Socialism

Women's Rights = Abortion

Environmentalism = Al Gore


SOCIAL JUSTICE

I could be wrong, but when I think of "social justice," I think of men like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.......not Adolph Hitler.   Social justice, in a nutshell, simply means that we are all treated fairly and look out for each other.  It does not mean socialism, not unless the term has taken some new double meaning. 


I'm Methodist,  and I know from its founding, Methodism was a Christian social justice movement. Under John Wesley's direction, Methodists became leaders in many social justice issues of the day.  Wesley himself was among the first to preach for slaves' rights.  


The Bible is full of social justice parables and verses.  As a matter of fact, even the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops outlines the "Seven Principles of Christian Social Justice."  Some key points: 

  • Every person is made in the image and likeness of God, and hence every human life is sacred and has an inherent dignity.
  • The family is the central social institution, and must be supported and strengthened. 
  •  Every person in turn has a responsibility to each other, to their family, and to the larger society to assure that these rights are preserved and protected for all. 
  •  Every person has a right to productive work, to decent and fair wages, to organize and form unions, to private property, and to economic initiative. 
  • We are our brothers' and sisters' keepers, wherever they live. 
  • We are one human family. "Loving our neighbor" has global dimensions in an interdependent world. 
So one more time, why is social justice bad?

WOMEN'S RIGHTS

Just because we support women's rights doesn't mean we're feminists or condone abortion.  Let's all remember that it hasn't even been 100 years since women couldn't vote. Wives were once considered their husband's property, just like  the horses in the barn. Since the 19th Amendment in 1919, women have enjoyed the right to vote, thanks to the many "suffagettes" (and men) who fought to make that happen.   For years before and after that time, few women were highly educated or for those who were, they rarely received a comparable salary to their male counterparts. Legislation has improved that issue as well. 

As a Christian Conservative,  I, along with millions of others, do not believe that a woman's right is to deny the life of  an unborn, defenseless child. Many pro-abortion, or "pro-choice," individuals feel differently.  However, just because they claim abortion is a woman's right, the historical fight to level the playing for women should not be impugned. Furthermore, it's important that our students know how far women have come.  


ENVIRONMENTALISM

Yep, we are familiar with Al Gore's fascination with environmentalism, especially the climate.  There has been a lot discussion about his claims and motives,  some good and some bad.  Just because liberal-minded people speak up for the environment doesn't mean we shouldn't all be participants in a greater, greener Earth.  

I've seen tweets where people actually complained that their children's schools were celebrating Earth Day, Go Green Day, and/or the Great American Cleanup because these schools were trying to indoctrinate their children with liberal ideals.  Seriously?

Apparently, these folks didn't grow up with parents like mine, who scolded me for leaving the lights on when I left a room, or God forbid, litter.  To this day, you will never see me drop a speck of litter because my parents instilled such a love and respect for the world I live in.  I've turned that around, I hope, with my children and students. 

Taking care of our environment is a good thing, people.  We want to leave the place a little better than we found it (or at least as good) for our future generations.  Just because you turn the water off when you brush your teeth doesn't mean you're a left-winged liberal.  







Thursday, May 2, 2013

Common Core and Social Justice


@beth_thomason teaches class warfare and social justice. pic.twitter.com


This is a tweet I saw yesterday on Twitter.  At first, I just shook my head with the absurdity of it, and then, for whatever reason, I replied to the tweet.  Couldn't resist.

Show me the standard that does that. Doesn't exist. “@beth_thomason teaches class warfare and social justice.


There were were several dozen exchanges between the two us.  I respected her passion.  She sent me Glenn Beck and Michelle Malkin links to prove her points.  I responded with first-hand classroom experience and a very thorough knowledge of the math and English Common Core standards.   The tweetfest ended cordially, although I can't say "cordial" would describe the tone of the whole thread. 

Over the last few months, we've heard a lot about the Common Core and how it teaches "social justice."  I'm gonna save a thorough study of social justice for another post, but I wanted to spend a few minutes addressing this assignment we see here today. 

First, you need to know a few things about this workbook.  It is not necessarily a school text or assignment. The tweet-er saw it at a bookstore and noticed it had "Common Core Aligned" on the front cover.  As a Common Core opponent,  her interest was piqued, and she began flipping through the pages.   Obviously, she paused to take a picture of the image you see above.  Let's pause as well and look over the lesson....

I taught 9th and 11th grade histories in a private Christian school, using faith-based texts.  I taught about social classes, as well as the caste system in India.  IT WAS IN THE TEXT.  It's also in the BIBLE. Kids need to know about social classes, as it's an important dynamic in many societies, including our own.  Upon looking more closely at the assignment, I remember very similar exercises when I was a child.  

The workbook was a Carson Dellosa workbook, often used by parents, including those who homeschool, for further studies. During the summers, I bought similar workbooks to teach my children geography, the skeletal system, and American history. This text is what we call "supplemental material."

The most important thing to note is, and listen carefully, there are no Common Core history standards, at least none that I've seen. The reason this text is "aligned" with the Common Core is because it likely addresses the Common Core History Content Literacy Standards, meaning students will read, write, and think about history.These standards are found in the Common Core English Language Arts document. There is no history content mentioned in them. The teacher can decide the content (although to be fair, that flexibility can vary state to state, district to district).

Just to clarify a bit more, these content literacy standards (for history and science) help our schools address the 70% informational text suggestion in the English Language Arts Common Core Standards. Literacy is to be shared with all content areas, not just the English teachers, which makes a lot of sense. Good history and science teachers have also addressed these standards anyway, so these standards are no great revelations to us. However, they do remind the less than stellar teachers to get their acts together.


So let me bring this all home. When folks talk about "Common Core" pushing social justice, homosexuality, environmentalism, feminism, and socialism (to name a few), remember this: these ideals are not found in the math and English Common Core standards.

Now, I'm not naive. I know much of our media, texts (including some school texts), news, and periodicals have long been on the "liberal" side of things. I get that. However, Common Core standards have nothing to do with that. Folks want to take a stand against far-left material? Go for it, but please leave the math and English standards out of it.




(6th-8th Grade)


Key Ideas and Details
  • CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6-8.1 Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources.
  • CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6-8.2 Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source; provide an accurate summary of the source distinct from prior knowledge or opinions.
  • CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6-8.3 Identify key steps in a text’s description of a process related to history/social studies (e.g., how a bill becomes law, how interest rates are raised or lowered).

Craft and Structure

  • CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6-8.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including vocabulary specific to domains related to history/social studies.
  • CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6-8.5 Describe how a text presents information (e.g., sequentially, comparatively, causally).
  • CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6-8.6 Identify aspects of a text that reveal an author’s point of view or purpose (e.g., loaded language, inclusion or avoidance of particular facts).

Integration of Knowledge and Ideas

Range of Reading and Level of Text Complexity

  • CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6-8.10 By the end of grade 8, read and comprehend history/social studies texts in the grades 6–8 text complexity band independently and proficiently.


  

Sunday, April 28, 2013

Refuting Anti-CCRS Claims


We keep hearing opponents talk about how bad the Common Core is, yet we hear very little specificity about exactly what's  bad about it.  We educators really struggle to understand what the fuss is about.  The claims we hear are so far fetched, it's hard to take them seriously.  They simply aren't true.  

In Alabama, we just included the Common Core standards in our Math and English courses of study.  That's it. Nothing more.  That being said, let's address some of the "common" concerns we hear...
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common Core nationalizes public education.

This is an easy one, so let me be clear.   NATIONAL EDUCATION STANDARDS ARE NOT NEW.   National math, science, English, and history standards have been around, long before the Common Core.  Alabama and other states have always aligned to those standards.  Do people think Alabama arbitrarily decided when to teach what, without consulting other states' and national standards? And let me remind everyone, physicians, attorneys, hospitals, etc.  have "national standards" too, and that's considered a good thing. 


All this being said, Alabama volunteered to include these Common Core standards, after several years of research and collaboration with education leaders and stakeholders.   Our schools haven't received a penny for doing so.  While we did include these standards, we may also add to them, edit them, and move them around (see recent CCRS updates). We choose how to implement them and how to assess them, not the federal government.   

Common Core "dumbs" down education. 


Seriously?  Have opponents  read the 2010 Math and English Language Arts College and Career Ready Standards? No one can read them and not plainly see that they are far more rigorous and reflective of 21st Century learning than the previous from 2003 (Math)  and 2007 (English).   My question for them is, "Demonstrate how these standards 'dumb down' education?" Show me. 


Furthermore, we teachers have dedicated our lives to improving children's education in Alabama.  Do people think for one second we would support standards that lowered our expectations?  For heaven's sake, trust us. 


ARI (Alabama Reading Initiative)  and AMSTI (Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative) 

are defunct. 

We educators have been mystified about the newest anti-CCRS claim that ARI and AMSTI have been defunct this year.  We know full well these programs haven't slowed a bit, and if anything, have increased momentum, thanks to the new math and English standards. Both ARI and AMSTI (in addition to their traditional roles) have helped our schools use their research-based best practices (the same ones they've been sharing)  to address the new math and English standards.   I addressed this concern more fully in another post.  


Common Core will indoctrinate our students with liberal, anti-American, and anti-Christian ideals. 


Once again, show me where this is evident in our standards.  It's just math and English, much like we've always had. 


My students used to memorize 1 Corinthians 13 ("Love is Patient, Love is Kind...") in my classroom every year, as it tied in nicely with our novel unit.  Was I indoctrinating my students to become Christians, like me? Of course not.  I was having them memorize a powerful "life" verse that corresponded beautifully with the text.  Fifteen years later, I still run into students who begin reciting this verse and other poetry I had them memorize.    I also taught American History, where we discussed racism, women's rights, social justice, Communism....all the things kids should know about before going to college. Was I indoctrinating them then?  No...I was TEACHING them about history. I say all this because at any time, I suppose a parent could have swayed my instruction to infer "indoctrination."  


What people must understand, and everyone else, IF some rogue  teacher has an agenda to turn our children into socialists or homosexuals (as opponents claim), the Common Core or any course of study has NOTHING to do with that. When that classroom door is closed, a teacher can teach whatever he/she wants.  That's why we have mentors, principals, and district leaders to make sure we have the best teachers in our schools, and beyond that, parents must trust us, as they would their pastors, physicians, and other professionals.  


I recently read some Twitter posts, claiming that "Common Core" texts call Afghan fighters "freedom fighters." First, why aren't they sharing the name of the text (does it really exist?).   Secondly, and this is important, President Ronald Reagan called them "freedom fighters" in the 1980s, long before 911 (see video).  So...if it's an old text or it's referring to that era, the term "freedom fighters" was likely used.  I taught American History for years.  I know what I'm talking about. 


And finally, there are NO TEXTS or LESSON PLANS provided in our CCRS.  The local schools get to make that determination.  Teachers will still create their own syllabi, with no interference from the state or federal government.  Teachers, administrators, parents, and other stakeholders serve on Textbook Committees for new adoptions, so unless they approve "un-American" system-wide texts, it's not going to happen in this state.  


Common Core removes classic literature from our English classes.

I taught To Kill A Mockingbird, a Southern classic, for years.  I recently read an anti-Common Core post, claiming this novel perpetuated "rape" and "social justice."  And then in the very next post, a parent was complaining that her child may never read To Kill A Mockingbird  because  of the informational text requirements. Ridiculous, right? 

The content literacy standards are one of the things I like most about the CCRS.  For the first time in Alabama, we are requiring our science, history, and Career Tech teachers to embed reading and writing into their curricula (however they choose), which is something good teachers have always done.  The informational text requirement is shared with all content areas, not just English teachers, meaning NO CLASSIC LIT will ever be removed to satisfy these requirements.  Take away Romeo and Juliet from a 9th grade English teacher...see what happens. See my Content Literacy Webpage for resources and sample lessons. 

Common Core is a curriculum


Common Core is not a curriculum or "program" in our state.  As I mentioned earlier, we still decide when, what, and how to teach. Alabama ONLY added those standards to our own.  We can change them any time we want.  As a matter of fact, the SDE has already made changes to both math and English documents, disproving the myth that we cannot alter them.


For our non-teacher readers, let me briefly explain the difference between a course of study and a curriculum.  In our English Language Arts CCRS (Grade 6), a standard reads, "Differentiate among odes, ballads, epic poetry, and science fiction."  The teacher decides which ballads, odes, poetry, and science fiction pieces to read.  He or she decides when and how to teach that standard, as well as how to access it. The elements in blue make up the curriculum.   See a sample syllabus



Common Core means more assessments.

I can only speak for Alabama on this one.  We are not a Race to the Top state, so Alabama has the freedom to assess how they choose (which in my opinion, is a good thing).  Long before the Common Core, Dr. Bice (not yet the state superintendent)  spoke at a teacher conference I attended.  In it, he mentioned his vision for Alabama, where students could take the ACT in high school as part of their state assessment. He further discussed plans for 3rd-8th grade assessments.  His words were music to our ears.  Finally - assessments that made sense!  

Most Race to the Top states utilize the PARCC or Smarter Balance assessments for students.  Alabama did not. Instead, we chose to use the ACT suite for grades 8-12 and the ASPIRE for grades 3-8.  Alabama is the first state in the country to use ASPIRE.  ASPIRE fully aligns with our math and English courses of study, meaning we're actually being assessed on what we taught.   As for the ACT suite for upper grades, every 11th grader in the state will take the ACT plus Writing...for free.  Do people understand how many students will now receive college scholarships as a result?   I know many stellar students who did not take the ACT because of the cost or because they "never got around to it."  These students did not attend college, and that haunts me to this day.  I am certain they would have received partial or full scholarships, based on their ACT scores.  That will not happen again, thanks to Dr. Bice. 

Common Core invades our children's privacy. 

Another easy one.  First, Alabama schools follow FERPA to the letter of the law.  We value our students' and parents' privacy, almost as much as they do.  

Since the beginning of public education, schools have shared data within the school, district, and/or state (absences, grades, assessments, discipline referals, etc.).  That will never change.  Our test scores are a measure of our success, whether we like it or not.  I agree, there are other ways to do so, but for now, that's the way it's always been. 

Common Core reduces public schools' transparency.

Since the inception of the Internet, our public schools have been more transparent than ever.  Schools have living, breathing websites that are updated daily.  In addition to a robust website, my system (and many others) have Twitter and Facebook pages.  We even post best CCRS practices (along with the actual standard addressed). We send text alerts, emails, and phone calls on a regular basis.  If stakeholders don't know what's happening in our schools, they aren't listening or looking.


As for the CCRS, those public drafts were posted on the Alabama State Department of Education website for months.  Dr. Bice led many regional meetings, where parents and stakeholders were asked for input.



If there is another concern or claim you'd like me to address, just shoot me an email, and I'll be glad to oblige: melisssa_shields@ecboe.org


------------------------------------------------------------------------


Excellent "Common" Sense articles about our CCRS


Common core' education standards repeal efforts should be abandoned altogether



Saturday, April 27, 2013

ARI and AMSTI - The Truth


For the last few weeks, we educators have been mystified about the newest anti-CCRS claim that ARI and AMSTI have been defunct this year.  We know full well these programs haven't slowed a bit, and if anything, have increased momentum, thanks to the new math and English standards.  

Mrs. Zeanah recently accused Dr. Bice of diverting "millions of additional dollars from the Alabama Reading and Math Initiatives to implement Common Core" (Her Press Release).   Last time I checked, that's slander. This man has given his life to improving Alabama's education (check his record).     

And because I must, let me address her accusations against Dr. Bice.   Alabama has updated both the English and Math courses of study (CCRS), which do include, but are not limited to, the Common Core standards.  That much is true. AMSTI (Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative) has not slowed down a beat.  I supervise AMSTI for my entire school system.  I can attest that those supplies are in my schools right now, as I personally helped get them there many times throughout the year.  Of course, AMSTI will address our new course of study. It's our MATH STANDARDS! And just to be clear, our previous math standards are still in our course of study.  It's just math, folks.    


As for ARI (Alabama Reading Initiative), the same holds true.  We have dedicated literacy coaches in each of our elementary schools, who are still doing exactly what they did before the CCRS.  ARI regional specialists are in our schools often, and yes, they do show our teachers best practices in teaching the CCRS reading standards. They wouldn't be doing their jobs if they didn't.   


And finally, Dr. Bice couldn't mismanage funding if he wanted to.  It's not like he holds the Education Trust Fund checkbook (although I wished he did). Every penny we spend is appropriated first and accounted for later.

Mrs. Zeanah, for the zillionth time, get your facts straight before you go public with them.  Let me introduce to this Common Core Content Literacy Standard for grades 9-10: "Develop claim(s) and counterclaims fairly, supplying data and evidence for each while pointing out the strengths and limitations of both claim(s) and counterclaims in a discipline-appropriate form..." You might do well to learn that one. 



Tuesday, April 23, 2013

CCRS Rally Speech


I was honored to be asked to speak at today's CCRS Rally, held on the steps of our state's Capitol Building.   I can't express how proud I was to stand among so many other Alabamians who truly value our students' education.   Businesses leaders, teachers, administrators, military families, parents, students, and legislators gathered together with one voice - "Support Our Schools. Support the CCRS!"  It was an incredible experience.  Couldn't be prouder to be an educator in this great state.   

Below is my speech.  Feel free to use any of it to share with your senators and legislators.  

 Melissa Shields
melissa_shields@ecboe.org
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First, I would like to say that as a teacher and a mother, I would be the first to speak up if I felt these standards were not in the best interest of our students and our communities. I am outraged that this movement against them has gained so much momentum....that absurd mistruths and fear tactics have been used to slander our dedicated teachers.   

I challenge you to review our College and Career Ready Standards (CCRS), any grade, either English Language Arts or Math.  You will only find strong 21st Century standards, standards that ask our students to think, create, argue,  publish…..no more "Sit and Get."  There are no politics, no anti-religious rhetoric, no liberal (or conservative) ideals. 

Until a few months ago, I was reminding our teachers that this is the most exciting time to be a teacher; our schools are the best they have ever been.   Teachers have a voice, and THEY can decide how to best teach their students (contrary to what the opponents say).  We’re using assessments that make sense, ones that will actually help our students receive college scholarships. 


It seems to me we have a semantics issue. We teachers just want to continue implementing the College and Career Ready Standards, which do include, but are not limited to the Common Core standards. No one can argue that these studies are not more rigorous and reflective of 21st Century instruction than the previous from 2003 and 2007.  Know this.  Common Core is not a curriculum or "program" in our state.  We still decide when, what, and how to teach - those elements make a curriculum.  I promise you this: if the government ever tries to tell us what and how to teach our students, you'll be hearing my voice from every rooftop.  I wouldn't have it, and I speak for every teacher I know. 

From my experience, CCRS opponents DO NOT understand the nature of curricula and courses of study. They have NOT visited public school classrooms to see the standards being taught.  They WILL NOT have a discussion with public school teachers (Believe me, I have tried).  Essentially, they have NO IDEA what's happening in our great schools.   On the contrary, those you see here today and the thousands of teachers changing lives at this very moment have devoted their lives to educating Alabama's students. That is our only agenda.   Why would we support these standards if we didn't believe in them....if we didn’t know they could transform our classrooms and better prepare our students?

My daughter  is a thriving Advanced Placement student in her small, rural high school.   Our students have been taught Common Core standards for years in our Math and English Advanced Placement and Pre-AP (LTF) courses, as the Common Core standards are aligned to Advanced Placement.  The AP Literature course we teach here in Alabama is the same AP Literature course in the most elite private schools in the country.  They follow the SAME STANDARDS. Currently, Alabama is ranked #1 in Math, Science, and English AP growth. 

I've received numerous emails and calls from our teachers, wanting to know how they can stop this madness.  Until last week, I think most of our teachers did not take these bills seriously because honestly, the claims are so far-reaching and ridiculous, it's hard for them to believe that anyone, especially our elected officials, would take these accusations to heart.   

I leave with this....We also want to preserve the conservative ideals of our state, but we vehemently disagree that our College and Career Ready Standards deter from them. My gut tells me the truth will prevail (as we teach our students), and our elected officials will place their faith in us.  I pray they prove me right.