“Common Core” is a phrase that generates a lot of buzz lately. Just say it and you’ll see a flicker of doubt, uncertainty or panic in parents’ eyes. That tends to be the case when there is change and unknown, especially when it relates to our kids. But Common Core doesn’t have to be something that makes us cringe as parents.
Although change is hard and it may take time to adjust to new standards, new tests, and new homework, I feel like the best thing I can do for my children is to be as informed as possible. The more I can eliminate misinformation and separate facts from fiction as it relates to Common Core the better I can support my kids in their learning and overall experience in school. And at the end of the day isn’t that all we want, to be able to support and encourage our kids so they can do their best?
That’s why we’ve partnered with Be a Learning Hero to help answer your questions and take away some of the unknown about Common Core, so you can be your kids’ biggest support.
When I first heard about Common Core I was a classroom teacher. I had the benefit of training and information that helped me understand the intent of the standards and what changes were coming. I found that knowledge put me at ease. It also made it much easier for me to talk with my daughter’s teachers about questions I have about Common Core and its’ application in our local schools.
While most parents don’t have the opportunity to undergo the training I did related to Common Core, there is a new and free resource designed just with parents in mind. Be a Learning Hero is a website that shares answers and useful resources related to our most common parent questions about the Common Core State Standards and the Common Core-aligned assessments.
Resources Available
On Be a Learning Hero you’ll find vast amounts of information. Some of the resources available include:
- Common Questions Parents Have-Family guides to help parents understand the new Common Core-aligned tests
- Essential School Tools-Grade specific, teacher-approved apps, games and websites
- Real-Time Homework Help-Ask your own homework questions or explore the database of frequently asked questions by subject and grade level
- Skills in Action-Watch videos to see what success in specific skills looks like by grade level. These are great!
- Tips for Supporting Your Child at Home-Find grade level tips and information for making the most of parent-teacher conferences
As a former classroom teacher I loved it when parents asked questions and joined in to help support their child. The video below explains some of the questions I would ask teachers about Common Core during a parent-teacher conference. {Be kind! I’m still getting over my video fright. 🙂 }
Must Watch Videos on Be a Learning Hero
I could go on an on about all of the little details shared on Be a Learning Hero. But here are my top recommended videos to start with…
In the math section be sure to watch the key shifts in math video and the why has math changed video.
In the tests section watch a former National Teacher of the Year’s Meet a Learning Hero video about what’s different about new state tests, what it means for students, and how they have an impact on her work in the classroom.
In the about the tests section watch the Discover the Goals video and learn how the Common Core standards will help students achieve at high levels and help them learn what they need to know to get to graduation and beyond.
More from Be a Learning Hero
After visiting Be a Learning Hero, join in the conversation on Facebook and find more information and ideas for supporting your child on Pinterest.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Be a Learning Hero. The opinions and text are all mine.