The largest Teacher Training in Tennessee history was launched on Tuesday, July 10th. Common Core State Standards is a set of nationally recognized criteria raising expectations of our students and it starts with Math in the 2012-2013 school year.
Some 200 teachers were appointed to lead sessions at 41 sites across the state to help their peers understand the new focus areas for grade levels 3-8. Practice problems, lesson models and practice in reviewing student work are part of the program. These peer-led training sessions are assisted by University of Pittsburgh Institute for Learning experts.
“Tennessee’s transition to the Common Core State Standards gives us opportunities to strengthen our competitiveness and ensure our students’ postsecondary success,” said Tennessee Education Commissioner Kevin Huffman. “These standards also will give teachers the chance to engage their students more deeply in fewer focus areas, encouraging greater critical thinking skills.” This is also an opportunity for teachers across the state to share ideas.
Focusing on fewer standards and going back to teaching core fundamental concepts will better prepare students for higher education. For example the 3rd Grade math standards taught will drop from 113 to just 25 under the Common Core State Standards. “The spirit with which educators are coming together to support this transition is inspiring,” said Emily Barton, the department’s assistant commissioner of curriculum and instruction. “The work that the Core Coaches have started in their own classrooms suggests that as we bring this to all classrooms across the state, we’ll see greater student engagement and problem-solving skills.”
