Addressing parent CCSS concerns

It's no secret that many parents are opposed to the Common Core State Standards. CCSS works to establish clear guidelines and expectations for what students should be achieving in math and English/language arts, but many people believe that the Standards are too difficult. Parent concerns can't – and shouldn't – be ignored. Instead, teachers should strive to address parent unease and discuss common apprehensions about the CCSS.

Acknowledging frustrated kids
Teachers have to deal with kids who are struggling with their schoolwork every day, but so do parents. When kids come home flustered from a stressful day at school, parents feel like the academic pressure is too much. That's why it is important for teachers to convey that the CCSS are meant to be challenging because they aim to prepare students for higher education and the job force. When parents bring complaints to educators, this is the perfect time to address any issues a student may be dealing with.

Teachers can use this one-on-one time with parents to come up with a plan that will assist the struggling child. For instance, if a student is doing poorly in spelling, teachers can suggest parents start spending a half hour each night with their child to quiz them on the words.

Recognizing fear of the unknown
According to the 46th Annual PDK/Gallup Poll of the Public's Attitudes Toward the Public Schools, 53 percent of respondents indicated that they had heard little to nothing at all about the CCSS. This lack of knowledge concerning the Standards can cause some parents to be wary of education changes. A lot of news around CCSS has been negative, so it's important to inform parents about the Standards early. Teachers can achieve this by providing parents with information packets at the beginning of the school year. Edutopia suggested detailing what students should be able to accomplish by the end of the year and how the Standards make those goals possible. 

Dealing with test preparation complaints
A common worry many parents have been voicing over standardized testing is the preparation and time associated with each exam. Parents also fear that with harder tests, kids will become discouraged if they do not do well. Teachers should take the time to remind parents that the test scores are only one measurement of how well their children are doing, and that the results can help educators better gauge how kids are learning and where instruction needs to be improved.

Teachers should also keep in mind, as EdSource pointed out, that parents receive results in the summer when educators aren't readily available to answer questions. To prepare for this dilemma, instructors should review the test format and questions so they can sufficiently respond to questions about this aspect of the exams. Teachers can also be preemptive by sending parents a letter explaining any confusing aspects of the results.  

No comments yet.

Leave a Reply

The Standard Method for Mastering the Standards™