Common Core State Standards brings new curriculum, programs to Sudduth and Henderson Ward Stewart for 2012-2013 school year
As the Starkville School District prepares to fully implement Common Core State Standards (CCSS), curriculum changes that began this year in grades K-2 will expand for the 2012-2013 school year in grades 3-5.
CCSS is a more rigorous curriculum that is being adopted simultaneously in 43 other states in an effort to improve student achievement across the nation.
The SSD believes this new curriculum combined with a new reading program at Sudduth Elementary School and Henderson Ward Stewart School and the expansion of Singapore Math/Math in Focus® for third grade will provide instructional tools not only for teachers but also for parents as we strive to put our students on par with national standards.
In an effort to help our teachers prepare for the shift to CCSS, Sudduth Elementary School and Henderson Ward Stewart School have begun preparations to implement Scott Foresman Reading Street - Common Core, a reading program specific for Mississippi and developed by Pearson, a leader in language arts curriculum. The research based English language arts program is the first to offer 100 percent compliance with CCSS in print and digital formats. It is also aligned with the Mississippi Language Arts Curriculum Framework and the Mississippi Science and Social Studies Curriculum Frameworks, which teachers are still required to teach. In addition, Reading Street provides weekly assessments in MCT2 format and offers digital components, including interactive whiteboard lessons, allowing teachers and students to embrace 21st century skills. Advanced readers will have the opportunity to accelerate their learning while struggling readers will have access to additional resources to help them succeed through Reading Street's differentiated instructional tools, allowing teachers to customize lessons for students. With Reading Street teachers and parents can see how lessons focus on critical skills, such as identifying statements as fact or opinion, and comprehension strategies, such as monitor and clarify.
"Reading Street will provide our parents and teachers with a wealth of resources to help our students not only learn to read but love to read," said Sudduth Principal Lisa Thompson. "Reading Street also provides best teaching practices for every component of the lesson and it integrates science and social studies into the reading program."
"Reading Street is a complete package offering plans, materials, methods and assessments," said Ward Stewart Principal Diane Baker. "I am confident students will find it highly engaging and motivating."
Parents can expect to learn more about Reading Street, including the resources available to them at home, in the fall during Reading Open House. Links for a complete overview of Reading Street are in the Reading Street box.
Ward Stewart Elementary School is also planning to implement Singapore Math/ Math in Focus® in the third grade, which was adopted in grades K-2 in 2011 and is also aligned with the CCSS. It teaches the same content as traditional mathematics programs - just in a way that emphasizes understanding and flexible thinking. The District plans to roll out this program for fourth grade in 2013 and fifth grade in 2014. Links for Singapore Math are in the Sinapore Math box.
Reading Street and Singapore Math/Math in Focus® provide a consistent, clear understanding of what students are expected to learn, so teachers and parents know what they need to do to help them. Like CCSS, Reading Street and Singapore Math/Math in Focus® are designed to be robust and relevant to the real world, reflecting the knowledge and skills that our young people need for success in college and careers.
