Am I really implementing Common Core Standards?

How are the new Common Core Standards going to change my mathematics classroom?  This is a question that I struggled with for months.  It took a while for me to even figure out what the heck these new standards meant!  While I was focused on the “Content Standards” I finally realized the key is the “Practice Standards.”   These eight standards are the same for grades K-12.  Their center is a student-focused classroom, built on students uncovering mathematical concepts.  The teacher is not the focus. The teacher is there to guide students as they travel down the conceptual paths.  I finally figured out the CCS is not just about what to teach, but how to teach.

I designed a rubric (attached below) for teachers to self-evaluate implementation of the Common Core ideals specified in the Practice Standards.  I have evaluated myself and been evaluated by peers, and each time I learned ways in which I can do better. 

I do not think it is possible to implement the Common Core Standards and ideals without rigorous self-evaluation.  Hopefully, this can help other teachers implement the Mathematics Practice Standards which is the very fabric of the Common Core Standards.

30. Final Exam

Three things I was introduced to in this class:
I believe I could list 30, but here are the three that stuck out to me the most.
1. Animoto.  I love this! I made one for my class last week.  I will use this periodically use this to create motivational videos and informative videos for parents.
2. Moodle.  I am looking forward to my next two Samford classes being on Moodle so I can become even more familiar with this.
3. Podcasts.  I am excited that I can make my on podcast!  It was much simpler than what I expected.

1. I am still not sure how I could integrate livebinders as a teacher or administrator.  It seems that wikis and online file sharing website like dropbox would be much simpler and essentially serve the same purpose.
2. I still am not sure how to effectively use Outlook.  I am not sure how to create email lists, and I just feel like there are other aspects that this software can help me out.

1. I am excited to be incorporating Animoto into my class as a teacher.  I am going to use it to recruit future AP students into my course, and motivate the ones I currently have.  April McCutcheon (BHS assistant principal) and I set up an upgraded account for Buckhorn.  We both see it has an opportunity to market the school and allow teachers to market their own courses and/or extracurricular clubs.

29. Portfolio

I just love portfolios!  I know you all do too!  Portfolios are fun, because you don't know exactly if you're writing too much, too little, or if it's just right!  I am very excited to be done with my first portfolio!  One down, and one to go!


Note:  I tried to limit the amount of exclamation marks, but I get so excited about portfolios, I just can't help it!

28. Holiday Tradition comes early

It always seems like a virus hits my kids right at Christmas.  This year we are hopefully getting it out of our system early.  Cooper, my 8 year old, started vomitting last Wednesday night and is finally starting to recover.  A few minutes ago, it hit Tucker, my 4 year old.  The upside is hopefully a healthy Christmas!  My wife and I have our fingers crossed that it misses us!

26. Saturday School

Today I ran an AP study session with aver 400 kids at MCHS.  I am amazed at the quality students, teachers, and administrators we have in this school system.  Administrators came out of no obligation, except to support students.  They were serving food, interacting with students, and taking pictures of the good times.    Teachers are positive, uplifting, and energetic.  And our students were attentive, respectful, and almost seemed happy to do math from 8:00 - 2:30! ON A SATURDAY!!!

23. Bo Knows Blogs

I watched the ESPN 30 for 30 You Don't Know Bo  tonight.  What an incredible athlete and person.  Bo didn't follow the trend by specializing in just one sport, he played because he enjoyed it.  He called playing in the NFL his hobby, just like fishing or hunting!

I grew up an Auburn fan, watching him play in person and on TV.  Bo was my hero.  I remember getting his autograph while sitting on my dad's shoulders.  So many times when we grow up we see our childhood heroes in a much different light.  I am proud to say that I respect what Bo stands for now more than ever.

GO BO GO!

21.Johnny Football

Congrats to Johnny Manziel, the first Freshman Heisman Trophy winner.  Manziel showed maturity, intelligence, humility, and compassion in his acceptance speech and the New York Downtown Athletic Club Saturday night.  It will be interesting to see how Johnny handles this as he continues in school the next few years.  It will be fun watching Superman in the coming seasons, and he will certainly have a target on his chest.