This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
I'm writing with regards to the implementation of Common Core across Utah. It's been made clear that the new standards were put together in collaboration with teachers, parents and industry.
It also appears that Utah is at the forefront in determining how to assess students under Common Core, through its success with the test bank, as pointed out in Kristen Moulton's article "Utah's Common Core test is making the state money," (Tribune, April 7).
So the state has excelled at the design and assessment of Common Core, but it seems everyone has forgotten about the middle part, integration. What steps has the state taken to orient teachers in teaching the new standards?
While the intent of Common Core was not to change what teachers teach in the classroom, there is a direct impact to how material is taught. Many teachers around the country have been challenged this year with the materials to impart to their students and have been left confused. Parents and industry should have been involved with transitioning in pedagogy to make Common Core work as they have been for its design and assessment.
The success of integration of Common Core cannot be left up to only the teacher. The rest of the community must be involved if they want this to work.
Philip Nelson
Clearfield