Over the past year, North Carolina educators have transitioned from using the NC standard course of study to using the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and NC Essential Standards (NC ES) to guide their instruction. Many people were very nervous about the transition because these standards are more rigorous and they require heavy revisal of past courses, units, and lessons. Science and social studies teachers have to actually integrate both sets of standards.
The CCSS are a set of literacy skills we should teach. The NC ES are the content standards we should teach with different conceptual strands. Neither sets of standards dictate or even suggest how you should teach. Realistically, some people will see these standards as an impediment to implementing technology in lesson plans just because they are already uncomfortable with technology, and it will take time to rewrite their curriculum.
I think the new standards present us with great opportunity. If we are already rewriting curriculum plans, why not use this time to implement more digital tools? If we are already collaborating with other teachers to learn the new standards, why not take some time to share technology that actually makes our lives easier? Experiencing several transitions at once always presents challenges, but it can also present great chances to really create meaningful change.
Truer words have never been spoken, Emily: “Experiencing several transitions at once always presents challenges, but it can also present great chances to really create meaningful change.”
I think this would apply to your Kenan Fellowship as well wouldn’t you say?