What to Expect in 2013-2014

Many schools are moving forward with the implementation of CCSS.  I wonder how well the transitions will take place.  In my mind I can't help but anticipate a lot of frustration among educators.  They will likely be required to "start over", but will it really happen?  I hope educators realize that the new CCSS for ELA and Math are simply "standards."  By now most educators should have been trained on the deconstruction of standards.  So, my advice would be to begin by doing just that very thing with the new standards.  Find out exactly what each one measures, or is supposed to measure.  Since the new standards are condensed, it would probably be a good idea to keep a set of the old standards nearby with the crosswalks to make sure under the new standards, all subskills are being addressed.

After studying the new standards for several years now, I do feel they have a consistency to offer that will enable many schools to measure themselves with peers for a more accurate portrayal of how well they are on a normative scale.  My fear is that consortia participants and those who have bowed out will not keep a consistency that would be needed for comparisons in subsequent years.  It is truly a shame that our states could not all agree on what should our students should know leaving our K-12 environments of learning.  But at least many have held on to the belief this could be achieved.  I fear many of us still believe these standards are the curriculum instead of the framework.  There is still much work to be done.  We are offering our services for the 2013 - 2014 school year for schools who need help in CCSS.  While it is not my desire to travel extensively, I am considering some engagements.  But more importantly, we are building a network through our Vann-Ray Student Portal for educators.  We currently have some pilot teachers involved in our discussions.

It is our desire to create a resource that is valuable to educators wherever they may be.  Educators need a resource on which they can depend to provide them with valuable information and expertise.  Vann-Ray commits to become that resource.  Great things are ahead for our projects.  We cannot wait to engage with our teachers and administrators in the coming months.

Happy Summer to all!

Sarah B. Odom, PhD