Murphy Speaks on Common Core Learning Standards

Submitted by Charles Murphy, Island Trees Superintendent.

Dear Island Trees School Community,  

As many of you know, New York State plans to test students, in grades 3-8, on the new Common Core Learning Standards. 

 Last year, Kentucky was the first state to test their students with these new lofty standards. Unfortunately, the results in Kentucky plummeted from the prior year.  Reading proficiency fell from 76% to 48% in Kentucky’s elementary schools and 70% to 46.8% in their middle schools.

Equally concerning, math scores dropped from 73% to 40.4% in their elementary schools and 65% to 40.6% in the state’s middle schools.  Many of their state officials predicted there would be a drop; however, very few thought the decline would be so dramatic.

As a result of Kentucky’s experience with the new common core assessments, many educators feel this is a predictor of what may end up happening in New York State. 

  In fact, both New York and Kentucky employ Pearson – one of the largest educational publishing companies – to create the new, more rigorous Core Curriculum assessments.  

This is something parents in New York State should be aware of as their children get ready for these new state tests in April.  If you have any questions about the common core assessments or the new requirements, please contact your child’s teacher.