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It's not all the same thing

Facebook and Twitter have been a buzz this weekend with posts and images regarding Common Core Learning Standards and all things SED. One of my teachers had a positive post about CCLS and connecting with ISTE Standards. I posted a comment on it and then removed it. But, it occurred to me that wasn't what leaders are supposed to do. I'm supposed to have an opinion. And, I do.

 Here is what I posted:

"I wish there was a way to better dissect the issues we are having with the CCLS rollout. CCLS on its own will be ok. Teachers have told us that themselves. Test scores, on their own, like the old days, would have been ok. It's when we lump CCLS with state test scores and teacher/principal accountability that makes it unfair. We need to be deliberate in our discussion of the issues and not lump all of it (CCLS, testing, HEDI, opt out) into one. Most importantly, we have to be sure not to pass any of our own personal stress (due to rollout, pd needs, resource needs, accountability, bad press, communication mistakes) onto kids. Kids expect the adults to have this worked out.  We owe it to them. Need to model professional disagreement and still be sure to provide our students with best education possible and not just worry about state test. Teach around it. We are pretty sure the tests will happen..even if some opt out (which I am not convinced is the best idea either but is a personal choice not mine to make for others). If we are providing solid instruction in our classrooms, promoting positive school climate, and implementing teaching standards to our best ability, it will all work out. I truly believe it."


And then I added:

BUT! or AND...continue to provide feedback to those above us that will listen. I do think there is some work to do in advocacy (through professional organizations, blogging, etc.) What we need is a pause button. Said that before in an older blog.


I probably shouldn't tell my teachers to teach around the state tests. Yet, the high stakes emphasis and flawed implementation leave me no choice. 

I have an opportunity to attend Network Team Institute training this coming week and will purposefully listen for any evidence of optimism, slowing down, or positive change that can be heard. You can count on that. THAT will be what I need to bring back to my teachers and school community. And if any of that information helps us face the state tests, great. 

Yet, if it doesn't, we will do what we did last year:

(from teacher (Patti Siano) facebook post)

....All that you did last year to make testing a stress-free environment for students (and teachers). They looked forward to the videos, your visits and positive messages each day. You helped us to give our students strategies that will serve them well in any testing situation all through life. 




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