On Nov. 20, the Port Jefferson School District PTSA hosted Common Core Conversation: Middle School Math, which focused on the new Common Core math modules for grades 6-8. Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction Maureen Hull, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kenneth Bossert, Port Jefferson Middle School Principal Antonio Santana and middle school math teachers Monica Consalvo, Matt Garofola, Megan Ryan and Jamie Veraldi discussed module terminology, a summary of the curriculum, and resources to support students’ work at home.
Superintendent Bossert began the two-hour informational meeting by providing a brief overview of the Common Core State Standards and the rationale behind the shift to Common Core, as well as the potential consequences of failing to make the shift.
“There are many ways to approach the implementation of Common Core,” said Bossert. “I have been very impressed with the faculty, staff and community of Port Jefferson because of the way that the entire movement has been addressed – we recognize it as a challenge and are working to rise to meet that challenge.”
Next, Mrs. Hull detailed the six pedagogical shifts in mathematics demanded by the Common Core State Standards – focus, coherence, fluency, deep understanding, application and dual-intensity. She also introduced the Common Core State Standards Initiative along with other available resources that provide further insight for parents. “The Common Core Initiative is aimed at instilling a common understanding for students, parents and educators about what students should know and be able to do by the time they graduate high school to succeed in college and careers,” said Mrs. Hull.
Following Mrs. Hull was Principal Santana who expounded on the shifts, pointing out that curriculum being taught went from more material with less depth to less material with much greater depth. “The modules that we are using represent the ways that our students think about math,” he said.
The floor was then turned over to the sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade math teachers present who discussed Common Core testing versus No Child Left Behind testing, the use of action phrases and math tools in the classroom, how Common Core affects special education, and the difference between conceptual, structural teaching methods and procedural methods. They also worked through sample test questions to demonstrate the shifts in thinking and application of knowledge that students will have to apply when being tested.
“The reason why the Common Core is stress-inducing is because we all care about the success of our kids,” said Santana. “Common Core isn’t a bad thing. I have faith that if we can adapt to the changes, become proficient in it and expand to other teaching methodologies, our kids will be in a better place – the long-term effects will be positive. We need to work together to focus on what’s important – our kids to be successful when they reach college and beyond.” Santana continued by pointing out that growth and improvement do not come without some sort of challenge. “It’s important that we encourage our students to feel comfortable with going to their teachers and to their parents for help, encouragement and support.”