submitted by Erin Clary, Communications Specialist
On Thursday, March 20, dozens of parents gathered at the Berlin Elementary School to learn how they could help their child be successful with the new Common Core Learning Standards in English Language Arts (ELA).
The ELA Common Core Parent Night presented by the Berlin Elementary School Parent Engagement Committee was the second part of a two-part series for parents of students in Grades K-5. The first session, held in January, focused on Math.
At both sessions, Principal Tricia Carlton presented information on the shifts in instruction and expectations of students. Teachers then gave parents the opportunity to see samples of the new instruction, try a practice test, use the technology and ask questions specific to their child’s grade level.
Although aspects of the Common Core have recently been debated by some, First Grade Teacher and Parent Engagement Committee Co-Chair Lauren Nichols said Berlin parents didn’t come to argue. They came to learn how to help their child succeed.
“Parents are the first and most important teacher in their child’s life,” said Nichols. “They are the expert on their child and we need their input and help with challenges and increased rigor.”
The new Common Core Standards means students learn fewer mathematical concepts, but their understanding of each concept is deeper. They are expected to understand a more sophisticated vocabulary and read an equal amount of non-fiction and fiction. They must also be able to explain their answers by citing evidence from text.
“We want parents to see that we’re not necessarily doing things differently, just more comprehensively,” said Nichols. “The Common Core is the kind of education we’d like for our children.”
Students in Grades 3-8 will take the New York State ELA Assessment Test April 1 – 3. They will take the Math assessments April 30-May 2. And while these assessments are necessary, Nichols said they are but one type of several tools, including performance tasks and rubrics, used to measure a child’s knowledge.
“At Berlin we try to balance what we do by making good choices and not inundating our students with test practice,” said Nichols. “These and other types of assessments help us improve our teaching.”
The Berlin Elementary School Parent Engagement Committee is comprised of faculty, staff, parents and an administrator. Its goal is to increase opportunities for parents to be a part of the school community and to provide parents with ways to help their children succeed academically.