Module+1-What+is+the+Iowa+Core?


 * Module 1: What is the Iowa Core and Why Do We Need It? **

Module Welcome

Welcome. In this module--- “What is the Iowa Core and why do we need it?”—We will get an overview of the Iowa Core State Standards--- what they are and why they are important for teachers and students alike. We’ll consider the concept of literacy as a set of cognitive skills that are crucial for students in all content areas, from English Language Arts to math and science. Finally, we will think about how classroom teachers can approach the Iowa Core State Standards.

By the end of this module, you will be able to:
 * Define literacy and the Iowa Core State Standards and why they are important.
 * Understand the need for literacy skills in content areas
 * Identify ways the classroom teacher can embrace the Iowa Core to improve 21st century literacy in their classroom.

Use the Module 1 journal to keep track of your learning.

Agenda:
 * **Common Core 101**
 * Video clip from The Teaching Channel-Common Core State Standards for ELA and Literacy (all grades)-[|14:13 https://www.teachingchannel.org/videos/common-core-standards-ela?fd=1]
 * Take a few minutes to explore the history and purpose of the Iowa Core State Standards movement. You have two options. The first is a reading from ASCD’s award winning InfoBrief Publication. The second is an online video produced by the Hunt Institute.
 * Reading: Coming to Terms with Common Core State Standards
 * [|Coming to Terms]
 * Video: Common Core State Standards: A New Foundation for Student Success (2:42)
 * []


 * **Building on the Common Core**
 * The Common Core State Standards form a foundation upon which valuable education can be built. In this video you will hear about the five principles of development, a detailed description of the development process, and a general discussion of the ELA standards.
 * Video: Common Core Standards Principles of Development (8:01)
 * []


 * **Extend Your Learning:**Lily Eskelsen- elementary teacher from Utah and Vice-President of the National Education Association (NEA), calls on educators to engage the Standards for the good of our students. (9:42)
 * []


 * **Literacy and the Common Core State Standards AND Common Core Shifts**
 * The following video will highlight the historical context of the need for change in ELA standards, the five critical shifts (text complexity; analysis, inference and evidence; writing to sources; mastery of writing and speaking; academic vocabulary) from earlier standards and the importance of academic vocabulary, especially for English Learners.
 * Video: The English Language Arts Standards: Key Changes and Their Evidence (6:25)
 * []
 * Document: This document identifies the six shifts that the Common Core requires of us if we are to be truly aligned with it in terms of instructional materials and classroom instruction.


 * **Literacy in Other Disciplines**
 * The Common Core State Standards extend the concept of literacy beyond the ELA classroom. There are standards for literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects as well. Listen to David Coleman explain the value of these unique Standards and what they mean for teachers in all subject areas. (3:50)
 * []


 * ** What is Not Covered by the Standards **
 * The Iowa Core Standards should be recognized for what they are not as well as what they are. The most important intentional design limitations are found on page 6 of the Iowa Core ELA document. Take a look at those standards in terms of the impact they will have on you as a teacher and your classroom.


 * **Application**
 * At this time think back on this module and identify the implications for you and your building. You will be asked to identify implications for you and your building for each module.