Bringin' The Rigor

Today in education we talk a lot about "world class education", "ready for college and work" as ways to make sure all of our students get the education that benefits the student and his or her community.  Most of us tend to ask students, "Do you have any homework?", "How'd you do on that test?", "What did you do in school today?"  Lots of homework, doing more work, to much work for students and helping students makes it easy on them are different points of view when it comes to teaching and planning.

The beginning of the Common Core State Standards in North Carolina means that students and teachers must adjust and be able to practice the types of thinking that come with rigorous teaching and learning.  Students must be able to extend their thinking beyond simple recall and reproduction.  Copying notes and memorizing facts have their place but successful students will be those who understand how to engage creatively with others and use all of their knowledge at any given moment.

So, how do you recognize rigor?  Well, here are some key indicators we can all look for when we trying to determine rigor.
1.  Students have to explain answers and defend arguments.  Teachers and students ask questions requiring a range of knowledge.  Questions connect to other subjects and not just a narrow range of topics.
2.  Reading materials are not simple but require students to extend their vocabulary and thinking.
3.  Activities have real-world connections.
4.  Students are actively engaged. The level of focused attention is visible when engaged in the task or working with others.
5.  Collaboration is a key part of the problem-solving process. Students learn how to work together while solving problems with meaning to thier communities.
6.  Students are responsible for the quality of their work.

Rigor.  The next time you ask a student, "What did you learn in school today?" maybe a better question is, "Who did you work with today and what problems did you solve?"

Summer is Coming!

The cool weather in Eastern NC makes it feel as if summer will never really get here.  However, one thing is for sure and that is time keeps on ticking (into the future).  We are always looking forward to what we believe will be good times such as cool swimming pools, the beach, the mountains or simply sleeping in and not being on a schedule. Things are heating up here at AMS despite the cool weather!

The month of May will see the beginning of schoolwide testing with the Common Exams in Social Studies (all grades), Science (6th and 7th) and the 8th grade Science EOG.  The Common Exams are new exams by the state and will be given in all core subjects where there is not an EOG.  We will also have the Algebra EOC and finally Math and Reading EOGs.  Man, it's getting warm in here.

So, knowing that the heat would come we have spent the year preparing, studying, quizzing and testing.  Students are reading, writing, quoting and researching to make sure they can stay "cool" when the heat comes.  Teachers have planned, tested, quizzed, talked and tutored students throughout the school year to give them the "air conditioning" they need to be ready for the heat.  We have stressed being at school and being prepared because we knew summer would come even when we were in the grip of icy winter.  AMS knows how to prepare!

Well.  Summer is here and don't let the temperatures fool you.....it's hot.  Parents, students, staff have worked all school year to make sure we can stay "cool" when the end of year test come around.  I know you are ready for the beach, pools, the mall and some free time...and the end of year heat.

I need you to say it with me...you know how we do it in this neck of the woods...Go Knights!!