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I used to ___, but now I ___.

ROGERS PUBLIC SCHOOLSOctober 2011

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We asked teachers to reflect on what they’ve learned about Common Core State Standards and share how that learning is changing their beliefs and practices…

These are our stories…

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I used to try to do all the work myself and make it perfect.

Now I have learned to release the jobs/tasks to students and allow them to try, make mistakes, and then try again.

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I used to ask all the Q’s.Now I let students ask Q’s.

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I used to expect my students to do all the listening, now I expect them to think and talk to each other more.

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I used to introduce math concepts-only practice once (my way/book way), but now I introduce a math concept and watch how my children solve or understand and plan lessons from there.

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I used to worry about spending “too” much time in/on any given area for fear of not getting all the SLE’s covered, but now I think I can spend the time where my students need it.

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I used to rely on adopted curriculums, but now I make my students create and give evidence.

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I used to give my students clues/answers. Now my students infer.

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I used to jet ski, but now I scuba dive!

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I used to limit the activities that require a lot of speaking/sharing opportunities (possible chaos), but now I realize the importance of student-led discussions and speaking opportunities.

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I used to teach subjects more independently, but now I integrate math, reading, and writing into science and social studies.

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I used to be afraid of Common Core, but now I am a little more comfortable.

I used to fear Common Core, but now I am excited about the prospects!

I used to be scared of Common Core, but now I believe I can do it!

I used to fear Common Core, but now I am excited!

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I used to kick and scream about Common Core, but now I realize and actually see the greatness in my students through Common Core.

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I used to have random questions/discussions for my lessons, but now I plan meaningful, thought-out questions to extend my student’s thinking and comprehension.

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I used to think Common Core was just another educational theory that would be used for a few years then discarded for something newer, but now I realize that this has the potential to now only improve student learning but also give teachers freedom to do what they are good at….teach!

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I used to plan, but now I plan with more purpose.

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I used to think research projects had to be long and complex with many steps, but now I know they can be short and simple for elementary.

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I used to teach, but now I guide.

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I used to think non-fiction text wasn’t very important, but now I know that it is a vital part of student learning and success.

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I used to only read fiction, but now I read non-fiction with my students.

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I used to not understand the importance of the complexity of the text, now I realize the necessity of non fiction/informational texts.

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I used to neglect speaking, but now I plan for it in my instruction.

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I used to look to see if they had the answer, but now I want to know why and how they got their answer.

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I used to accept an answer, but now I require my students to give more evidence.

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I used to focus on the activities, but now I focus on what is being learned and retained.

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I used to neglect the goal, but now I set the goal with my students.

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I used to provide feedback, but now I ask students to give feedback.

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I used to try to control more of the conversation, but now I let students do more talking and sharing.

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I used to “talk at” the students to “tell” them what they needed to know, but now I try very hard to let them “talk” and “discover” for themselves (with guidance) what I want them to know.

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I used to show them, but now I let them show each other.

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I used to use mainly fiction to teach reading, but now I plan to refocus my instruction to include more nonfiction.

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I used to view fluency as knowing facts, but now I see fluency as efficient, flexible strategies that progress across operations.

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I used to lower some standards to meet everyone’s needs, but now I hold high expectations for everyone and realize the ways they get there are different.

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I used to teach algorithms, but now I let students develop strategies and understanding.

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I used to think students couldn’t write,but now I know they speak their own language.

We must adapt too, for their success.

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I used to focus only on my subject, but now I focus on all subjects.

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I used to not want to change, but now I do.

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I used to think that no one at the national level knew we were skipping over social studies and science, but I now know that at least some of them do know.

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I used to worry, but now I hope.

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Implementation of Common Core Standards and the new generation of assessment will not happen overnight.

This is a journey.One step at a time.