addressing the common core

The debate over the pros and cons of the Common Core State Standards still rages across the United States. Mother Lode Adventist Junior Academy does not teach the CCSS in its curriculum. Our funding is in no way connected to the teaching of these standards. Our teachers are well versed in the requirements of the standards and the reasons their implementation in the public school system, however we have the flexibility to tailor each child’s learning to his/her particular needs.

Standards for Student Learning in education are a statement of what students should know (content knowledge) and be able to do (applicable skills) upon completing a course of study. Standards state in clear, concise terms what students are expected to learn. Standards identify the students’ learning destination, but much more is required to complete the educational journey. As goals for student learning, standards inform the development of curriculum, the implementation of instruction, and assessment for learning. Just as standards for student learning do not describe in full the students’ learning journey, they also do not alone give meaning to student learning.

The big ideas and essential questions of life are developed from many sources. Beyond the classroom, family and significant others in a young person’s life influence the student’s personal beliefs and values. Students form a personal worldview when they integrate the knowledge learned at school and from other sources into a coherent understanding of the learner’s world. A worldview also gives the learner a vision for how to use the skills acquired to participate in their community and improve themselves. Ultimately, a meaningful, productive life depends on a student’s core beliefs and values from an emerging worldview equipping them to assess the authenticity and relevance of their learning, and to intelligently utilize the knowledge and skills learned.

Mother Lode Adventist Jr. Academy has developed Standards for Student Learning with the help of the CCSS and the North American Division Education Department. You can look at them in depth on the following link:

http://adventisteducation.org/curriculum/elementary/standards