School Decision-Making Common Core Paper

Preparing students to be college bound as well as become model citizens are some of the goals Sunshine elementary has for its students. In an effort to achieve these goals there are times in which changes are necessary. Sunshine has decided to implement Common Core Standards beginning the new school year. To discuss the implementation, there is a mandatory staff meeting on Wednesday, December 4, 2013 at 3:30pm in the multi-purpose room. The agenda is as shown: Agenda

Grade level reports Grade level chairperson Pre-K – 5th
Feedback10 – 15 minutes from staff

Introduction of new standardsVelma Johnson – Administration Break-out groups (grade levels) to discuss new standards (10-15 minutes)
Shared discussions with staff from break-outs (20 minutes)
Problem/ResolutionVelma Johnson – Administration

Dismissal

The implementation of the Common Core Standards will bring expected negative feedback from seasoned teachers; however new teachers are expected to welcome the initiative with open arms. It is this understanding that led to the creation of a team of teachers who will represent both seasoned and new teachers to work together to come to an agreement on how the new initiative can and will prove to be beneficial to everyone: students and teachers. To maintain a positive balance with the teachers as well as a positive environment on the campus, the members selected for this team will be chosen by their colleagues through a silent vote which will be conducted on December 6, 2013. The team will meet at least twice weekly and provide feedback on the progress via email to Ms. Velma Johnson.

The objective for the team is to meet with their grade level teaching partners to bring their concerns to the meetings. Ultimately, these members will review and discuss which concerns are valid and relate to the new initiative. Personal feelings are set aside to achieve whatever is necessary to meet the needs of the students. As educators, one must remember the focus is on what will work best for the students’ success. There are times when stepping out of one’s comfort zone (the norm) is necessary. At the end of the three week review process, the team is expected to bring to Ms. Velma Johnson a suggested resolution of implementing the new initiative which will be a collaboration of seasoned and new teachers working to achieve a common goal.

No one is asking anyone to set aside their beliefs, but it should be clear there are always expected changes in the field of education. The teachers who are there to meet the needs of the students would not have any problems with the implementation of the new initiative. The teachers should understand the focus is on the students becoming more of critical thinkers to be able to gather information, evaluate what was gathered, and to comprehend what is being conducted. The goal is for the students to become purposeful readers and listeners as well as build their content knowledge. The students of Sunshine must receive the support and guidance of all their teachers to be successful. Once the resolution is accepted and approved by Ms. Velma Johnson, there will be a staff meeting to present the final plans.

Each staff member will receive a copy of the new initiative which will also reflect expectations. After meeting with the staff, the administrative team will scheduled a meeting with Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) to share the school’s new initiative in guiding the students toward education and personal success. In addition, prior to school being released for the summer break, the new standards will be shared with students and their parents through the school’s monthly newsletter. The parents will be directed to contact the PTO if there are any additional questions. The PTO will forward whatever information necessary to the administration to respond to.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while it is necessary to implement the Common Core Standards to better meet the needs of guiding the students toward the goal of becoming at least a high school graduate. The new standards are in keeping with the change in education and meeting the guidelines for No Child Left Behind. College bound students will receive the start necessary to be successful. Seasoned and new teachers along with the students will work together in a pleasant environment which is full of learning.