The Light Bulb

In our seventh-grade science class, we recently learned about energy waves. Students were asked the questions: Is there a relationship between frequency, wavelength, and speed? If so, what is it? If not, why? I could teach about frequency, wavelength, and speed by having students memorize definitions, teaching them the math formulas, and having them do practice problems—then testing them on it. Instead, I had students use the vocabulary, design a model, and plan an investigation in order to discover the math formulas. Seventh graders in Lerchenfeldt’s class used a slinky, meter stick, and stopwatch to design an energy wave experiment. As a society and as science educators, we are in a transition from a focus on knowledge itself to a focus on putting that knowledge to use. That shift is behind Michigan’s move to a new paradigm for science teaching, the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), adopted last year. The United States’ ability to innovate depends on science e...

I am tired of hearing negative comments about how the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) inhibits creativity. It is a directional pacing guide that provides teachers the freedom to be flexible and creative with their instruction. These standards encourage students to develop their critical thinking skills in order to obtain deeper levels of understanding rather than rote memorization.  I have certifications and experience teaching language arts, advanced math, and integrated science. The critical thinking skills students develop in our classrooms are essential for a successful career.     In language arts, students investigate the different techniques used in persuasive writing. Using texts of my own choosing, I push students to comprehend and reflect on what they read. They use critical thinking skills such as interpretation and evaluation to analyze the material.   Interpretation is the ability for students to understand the information. In addition to understa...

The Michigan State Legislature has no idea what to do with the students whose schools will be closed due to their poor academic achievement based on low standardized test scores. They have threatened action to close these schools multiple times. However, when the time comes to act, there is no plan. The data used from standardized testing to label the 38 schools as low performing is meaningless. Many of the students in these schools see no purpose in taking standardized tests. Many of these students are not competent enough to pass standardized tests because they come from a home that is apathetic toward education. These apathetic students cannot be authentically measured by standardized tests.  Unfortunately, the Michigan State Legislature chooses to blame these schools and teachers for their low standardized test scores. Closing these schools based on low standardized test scores will do nothing to improve their students' academic achievement. Our state's elected lead...

The shift to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) will make it easier to embed Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for Literacy. With the focus off rote memorization, reading, writing and critical thinking will be fundamental skills in a science class The United States’ ability to innovate depends on science education. Citizens are required to use critical thinking and communication skills in a global economy driven by advancements in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). The National Science Foundation reports there are currently between 2-3 million unfilled positions due to the lack of qualified candidates in the areas of STEM. The NGSS emphasizes the eight practices (skills and knowledge) essential to scientists and engineers in their workplaces and intertwines these practices with the core ideas students are learning in science class. They include: Asking questions and defining problems; developing and using models; planning and carrying out i...

The passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) created a safeguard for state control and a move away from federal control over education. Education leaders in Common Core states are now refocusing their attention on helping teachers and students succeed using the standards. The Harvard Center for Education Policy Research (CEPR) recently released a  study  on Common Core State Standards (CCSS) implementation. The study is meant to help leaders effectively implement CCSS using evidence about what is working and what is not working. Despite the additional work that comes with implementing new standards, teachers and principals have largely embraced the Common Core. According to the study, 73 percent of teachers reported that they have embraced the new standards “quite a bit” or “fully.” More than two-thirds of principals believe that the new standards will lead to improved student learning. Michigan needs consistent standards that will provide appropriate benchmarks f...

Teachers, parents, and students often felt powerless when it came to government-mandated standardized tests such as the Michigan Student Test for Educational Progress (M-STEP). It was difficult for teachers and parents to understand if the amount of time spent on standardized testing was necessary and beneficial to students. Hours were taken away from teaching and learning time last school year in order to administer the M-STEP. This was a problem. The M-STEP was also an online test. This took computer time away from teachers and students who needed them for instructional and learning purposes. This was another problem. There were also technology problems such as software failures, which also ate up teaching and learning time. Teachers across the state had issues with the M-STEP. Many felt that standardized tests were an unreliable and inaccurate measure of student growth. Standardized testing increased stress and wasted time, creating a toxic environment that hurt teacher ...