Curriculum Matters
This blog covered news on the common core, literacy, math, STEM, social studies, the arts, and other curriculum and instruction topics. This blog is no longer being updated, but you can continue to explore these issues on edweek.org by visiting our related topic pages: common core, reading & literacy, mathematics, STEM, social studies, and curriculum.
College & Workforce Readiness
Common Standards, Accountability, the Feds, and Texas
The common-standards initiative is in transition. For a while, it was all about development. The next wave was about state adoptions. Now states and districts are trying to figure out how to turn the standards into teachable stuff for kids.
College & Workforce Readiness
Deadlines, Delaware, and the Common Standards
If you've been following the common-standards coverage in this blog, you know that Aug. 2 was a big-deal day, because states vying for Race to the Top money got maximum points if they had adopted the standards by then. When the RTT Round 2 finalists were announced, we noted that nearly all states that had won a grant (in Round 1) or were still in the running for one (Round 2) had adopted the standards.
Science
New Project to Develop Middle School Materials for Chemistry, Biochemistry
With support from a federal grant, a new initiative will develop classroom materials for middle school chemistry and biochemistry.
Social Studies
Ed. Dept. Unveils New Round of Teaching U.S. History Grants
More than a hundred school districts are getting federal aid to promote the teaching of American history.
College & Workforce Readiness
NAGB: Wrestling With Common Standards, Testing Exclusions
Roberto J. Rodriguez, a key education adviser in the White House, told the National Assessment Governing Board that the administration is "thrilled" with states' progress in adopting the common standards. He appeared at NAGB's quarterly meeting here in Washington last Friday to reflect on the president's education policy agenda and on NAGB's work. (For those of you who might not know, NAGB sets policy for the National Assessment of Educational Progress.)
Reading & Literacy
Curriculum Really Does Matter, and Other Thoughts
A few assorted tidbits for you to get your week started:
College & Workforce Readiness
Common Assessments in High School: A Graphic Version
Not long ago, we told you that the Center for K-12 Assessment & Performance Management had created graphic depictions of the proposals submitted to the federal Ed Department under its Race to the Top program to create comprehensive assessment systems.
Reading & Literacy
Edujobs Bill Cuts $50 Million From Reading Program
A Senate bill approved yesterday that's designed to save education jobs would be paid for in part by cutting money from a federal reading program.
Science
Female Astronaut's Academy Seeks to Spark Science Interest
Former astronaut Sally Ride is working to help teachers spark their students' interest in science.
Federal
Reading, STEM Ed. Are Big Winners in Federal 'i3' Contest
A striking number of proposals to improve instruction in reading and the STEM fields were among the winners of a federal grant competition to promote innovations in education.
College & Workforce Readiness
Common Standards: Moving From Adoption to Implementation
We've been keeping you informed as states adopt the common standards. But even as that happens, a lot of discussion is swirling about how to put them into practice. It's been uttered so often that it's pretty much a new mantra: Standards alone won't make a difference. You also need good curriculum, instruction, professional development, and assessments that embody the standards.
College & Workforce Readiness
Acquisition News in the World of Common Standards, Tests
Some players in the common-standards-and-assessments arena—folks you've been reading about here—have announced a business deal. Pearson PLC, the London-based education company, has agreed to buy America's Choice for $80 million.
Teaching
Draft Standards Unveiled for Teachers
Standards, standards, everywhere: The Council of Chief State School Officers, which teamed up with the National Governors Association to bring you the common standards (ever heard of them?), now delivers a draft set of professional teaching standards for teachers.
Science
Teach Science Concepts in Early Grades, Commentary Urges
A new commentary argues that schools should provide a far stronger emphasis on science in the elementary grades.