On February 12, 2014, Los Nietos educators spent the afternoon reflecting on the progress that has been made this year as the Los Nietos School District transitions into full Common Core implementation. Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Jacqueline Cardenas, led a detailed and thorough discussion concerning what has been accomplished as the District passes the midpoint of the 2013-2014 school year. As students in 3rd-8th grade will begin taking the new SBAC (Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium) computerized assessments beginning in March, a priority was made by the District that led all four schools to upgrade computer labs (Los Nietos Middle School and Ada S. Nelson School) or add new computer labs (Aeolian and Rancho Santa Gertrudes School), capable of not only being used for the SBAC assessments but used as a comprehensive way to integrate technology into everyday instruction.
Additionally, professional development has been a priority this year as all 85 Los Nietos Teachers will have the opportunity to attend the four-day comprehensive “Making the Common Core Come Alive” series conducted by internationally renowned presenter, Paula Rutherford. The four-day professional development is designed to provide K-8 teachers with a common instructional language, highlight effective instructional strategies for diverse learners, and highlight the commonalities between the State Standards teachers have been teaching with the Common Core Standards that they will fully be teaching in language arts and mathematics next year. In preparation for 100% implementation of the Common Core State Standards next year, Los Nietos teachers have been utilizing new curriculum that is 100% aligned to the Common Core State Standards.
After sharing with teachers information about the SBAC training and practice tests available online for students to take in preparation of the SBAC assessments in March, Director Cardenas provided time for district teachers to meet in grade level teams and provided them with a format in which to delve deeper in the language arts and mathematics Common Core units they will be utilizing for the next trimester. A key concept for the Los Nietos teachers this year is that they are responsible for adult learning as well as the learning of their students. By working collaboratively to analyze student work, share the best instructional strategies, and utilize technology and new Common Core curriculum, the Los Nietos School District is poised for continued student academic success .
Additionally, professional development has been a priority this year as all 85 Los Nietos Teachers will have the opportunity to attend the four-day comprehensive “Making the Common Core Come Alive” series conducted by internationally renowned presenter, Paula Rutherford. The four-day professional development is designed to provide K-8 teachers with a common instructional language, highlight effective instructional strategies for diverse learners, and highlight the commonalities between the State Standards teachers have been teaching with the Common Core Standards that they will fully be teaching in language arts and mathematics next year. In preparation for 100% implementation of the Common Core State Standards next year, Los Nietos teachers have been utilizing new curriculum that is 100% aligned to the Common Core State Standards.
After sharing with teachers information about the SBAC training and practice tests available online for students to take in preparation of the SBAC assessments in March, Director Cardenas provided time for district teachers to meet in grade level teams and provided them with a format in which to delve deeper in the language arts and mathematics Common Core units they will be utilizing for the next trimester. A key concept for the Los Nietos teachers this year is that they are responsible for adult learning as well as the learning of their students. By working collaboratively to analyze student work, share the best instructional strategies, and utilize technology and new Common Core curriculum, the Los Nietos School District is poised for continued student academic success .