We have received a few questions recently about what changes are happening in the Missouri Learning Standards. Specifically what will this look like as we continue our work on developing and refining our own curriculum to meet the needs of our students? Also, when will state assessments change? For this reason, we thought it would be helpful to compile some of the recent information shared from DESE (in italics) and also to add where we are as a district in curriculum development. We hope this information is helpful and we look forward to continuing to work together to create a curriculum framework to support not only our students' needs for a successful future, but a curriculum which honors the expertise of our teachers and builds on positive feedback and continued collaboration.
Please feel free to contact Jennie, Jennifer, or myself at anytime if you have any questions or suggestions as we move forward with the new standards work.
Thank you,
Debbie Yonke
What changes are happening with the Missouri Learning Standards?
On April 19, 2016 the State Board approved new Missouri Learning Standards. These standards define the knowledge and skills students need in each grade level and course for success in college, other post-secondary training and careers.
(The standards were adopted after proposals were submitted by the work groups for Math, ELA, Science and Social Studies. The proposals were reviewed and then final edits and formatting were done in preparation for approval by the State Board of Education.)
Consistent learning expectations also provide parents and teachers with a clear roadmap for learning. Teachers helped design the Missouri Learning Standards to ensure that they reflect the realities of the classroom and provide the clarity and consistency teachers need to make sure their students stay on track and are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need for success.
It is important to remember that the standards do not tell teachers how to teach, but rather establish the minimum of what students need to learn. It is up to schools and teachers to decide how to best help students reach the standards. It's also important to note that the standards do not include everything that could or should be taught. Local districts are still designing their own curriculum and choosing which texts to read along with a long list of other local education choices.
The updated Missouri Learning Standards include grade-level and course-level expectations for the following subjects (Please click on any content to view standards.):
In response to the updated MLS, what will this look like as we continue our curriculum work?
We appreciate the hard work all of the teachers involved in curriculum and CDC work are doing to ensure alignment to the new standards. These teams are utilizing the resources provided by DESE including the crosswalks to update our curriculum guides in the four content areas.
Work will also continue to occur in the other following curriculum areas at the district level this year and upcoming summer.
When will state assessments change?
In addition to information regarding the new standards, a memo was released in late May regarding work that is underway to ensure that the MAP/EOC assessments align to the MLS Grade-Level and Course-Level Expectations adopted in April. Below is the anticipated assessment implementation schedule. Input from Missouri educators will be critical as these assessments are developed and we will keep you informed of opportunities to be involved in this process.
We are looking forward to a great day of professional learning next Tuesday, November 8 at Star Summit!
