Common Core Standards the focus of professional development for teachers, teaching assistants

Sept. 29, 2011

During the first Staff Development Half Day of the 2011-12 school year, the Capital Region BOCES provided professional development focused on new Common Core Learning Standards to teachers and instructional support staff in the Watervliet City School District.

Teachers and teaching assistants received an overview of the new English Language Arts (ELA) and Math Common Core Learning Standards and the federal Race to the Top (RTTT) requirements. Educators also participated in activities to gain a better understanding of what college and career readiness means for Watervliet's students, and the steps that are necessary for success in the 21st Century learning environment.

 The adoption of a common set of college and career-readiness standards by 43 states and the District of Columbia, to date, means that more than 80 percent of our nation’s public school students and teachers will be focused on the same content standards. Implementation of the new standards is expected to occur in 2012-13.