Iowa Core
For the past couple of years, we have heard lots about the Iowa Core, or its earlier name the Model Core Curriculum. Just because we heard it a lot, doesn't mean we understand it. It is easy to assume that it is only about the essential concepts and skills that students need to master. But it is far more than that.
The Iowa Core is about how we teach and organize the system of teaching (schools) as well as about what we teach.
An examination of the recent Iowa Race to the Top application provides another view into the Iowa Core. It states,"The Iowa Core is centered on a researched set of essential concepts and skills in literacy, math, science, social studies, and 21st century learning skills (civic literacy, financial literacy, technology literacy, health literacy, and employability skills). The Core is intended to support teachers as they take learning to a deeper level and by focusing on authentic intelletual work and formative instruction."
The Core calls for "an aligned system of content, instruction, and assessment."
Rather than call for course-based instruction, the Core calls for a student-based approach with high expectations for all students. Thus the Core is a move toward a competency-based system of education where the education system is organized around helping students acquire the essential concepts and skills, rather than organizing schools by student age and course titles.
A competency-based system would allow students to demonstrate acquisition of knowledge and skills at any point in school, allowing them to progress to the next level of difficulty or subject matter at their pace. The system adjusts to the needs of the student rather than execting all students to adjust to the needs of the system.
Individualizing education like this requires the use of multiple authentic measures of student learning and growth that are valid and reliable. These measures must provide feedback about what the student is learning and how well they are learning it to the student, parent, teacher, administrator, higher education, and the general public. To implement this more individualized model of student learning and professional practice will require new learning environments and schedules.
The Iowa Core provides opportunities and challenges. Many educators have not been satisfied with the current way the educational process has been structured and advocated for change. Rather than many proposals like privatization, merit pay, and vouchers, the Iowa Core focuses directly on the teaching and learning environment and structure in place for students. As with any change, modifications in how things are done will be needed.
Questions? Contact the Teaching and Learning Specialist.
Click here for information from the Iowa Department of Education.
