About Elementary Education: States Racing to Adopt National Standards

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Elementary Education Elementary Education Back to School Lesson Plans Teaching 101 From Beth Lewis, your Guide to Elementary Education Has your state adopted the new national educational standards? If so, what changes have you noticed in your district to align with the national grade level goals? It certainly will be interesting to see if this development brings about increased student achievement in the long run. ~Beth States Racing to Adopt National Standards So far, twenty-seven states have adopted the national standards for what students should learn each year from kindergarten through high school. This represents a historic shift away from local control over schools. Many more states are set to follow suit in the coming weeks. Part of the motivation might lie in the fact that schools who adopt the national standards by August 2nd earn points toward winning funds from the Obama administration's Race to the Top competition which will be awarded in September. Do you think national standards are the right direction for our educational system? Or should state and local education departments retain control over curriculum goals? Personally, I believe that national standards make a lot of sense. Nationwide, our students should be following similar learning paths toward a high school diploma. I don't see any reason why the instructional road-map toward graduation can't be standardized on a broader level.... Read more How to Save Money in Your Classroom No matter how the global economy is doing, it's always important for teachers to be budget-conscious. Unfortunately, most teachers must spend some of their own money in order to adequately supply our students with the learning tools they need. (Remember to save those receipts for tax time!) So, instead of breaking the bank, I recommend incorporating some of these practical money-saving tips as you set up your classroom this year. How do you stretch your classroom budget?... Read more Rewards and Prizes - Should You Give Them in Your Classroom? Many teachers see extrinsic material rewards as an appropriate and effective way to manage behavior in the elementary classroom. Other teachers don't want to "bribe" the kids to do work that they should be intrinsically motivated to do on their own. What do you believe?... Read more Professional Growth Professional Development resources that help you be your best professionally. The best teachers are reflective, always striving to better themselves and their practices. Here's what you need to know to take your teaching to the next level! Elementary Education Ads OSHA Standards ASME Standards Education Standards Education K12 State Standards Featured Articles Becoming an Elementary School Teacher Assessment and Testing Education Glossary Core Teaching Strategies Lesson Plans and Activities Student Discipline Tips   More from About.com Plan a Unique Vegas Wedding The minister, music and champagne are just the beginning -- why not get married aboard a helicopter or have a pirate swing in to deliver your rings? Arrrr! More> Join About.com's User Panel! Share your opinions and help us make About.com more relevant, informative and enjoyable to use. More> This newsletter is written by: Beth Lewis Elementary Education Guide Email Me | My Blog | My Forum   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About Elementary Education newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 249 West 17th Street New York, NY, 10011 © 2010 About.com   Must Reads How To Teach Writing With Ease and Fun Rewards & Prizes- Should you give them? Blank Lesson Plan Template Assigning Classroom Jobs Back to School Ice Breaker Activities Advertisement