Common Core 101: An Introduction for Parents

Moving from the State Standards to the Common Core

The common core standards have been adopted by 45 states and 3 territories. They represent a common set of learning standards aimed at measuring  students' mastery of important academic skills.  The common core includes standards in mathematics and English/Language Arts and aims to increase the level of rigor in classrooms across the nation.  The standards focus heavily on the concept of literacy, including literacy standards in content areas such as science and social studies.  Further, the standards include an emphasis on writing, speaking, and listening.

Many parents ask what the difference is between the current Ohio learning standards and the common core standards.  There are many differences, but the main difference is that the common core standards lead to greater rigor for college & career readiness and deeper levels of understanding.  Whether through reading texts of greater complexity, applying mathematical concepts to novel situations, or writing to defend an assertion with specific support from a text, students and teachers are being asked to dig deeper into understanding than ever before.  Go to Core Standards for more information on the common core standards.

At Middle School West, parents often ask how they can help their children excel in school.  I think the best thing parents can do for children is to make reading a priority in the family.  Now, more than ever, parents have so many opportunities to make reading exciting and fun.  While trips to the library are certainly exciting for students (there's just something special for kids about picking out their own books), technology affords busy parents an opportunity to keep high-interest literacy support in front of their children at all times.  Below is a collection of apps compiled by Vicki Windman for the 12/28/12 issue of Tech & Learning.  The list includes apps to support learning in the areas of reading, writing, speaking, listening, and mathematics.  See the current issue of Tech & Learning for expert commentary on the shift to the common core.  Visit Education.com for more parent resources.

GMSW Students Present to School Board

At the January GJPS School Board meeting, Mr. Harmon introduces Braden Neal (8th grade)
and Jenaisa Payne (6th grade) as they share their involvement with MSW's Rachel's Challenge  IMPACT
initiative.  Guidance Counselor, Kathy Spencer (not pictured), also spoke to the Board about the group's plans for their
20 Acts of Kindness project.

What's Up at West?

• February 7, 2013 - Early Release.  Students are dismissed at 2:10pm.
• February 7, 2013 - PTO meeting (7pm in GMSW Library)
• February 21st & 26th - Parent/Teacher Conferences (4:15-7:45pm)  Call the office at 614-478-5570 to schedule a conference.