Tips for Parents
EDUCATION EMPHASIS
February is an important month. Students must get “back in the groove” as soon as possible since the second semester seems to pass so quickly. Teachers must pace skill presentation in order to present all the necessary skills for each grade level. This is more complicated than it may seem. The TN Curriculum Standards are used by teachers during instruction. Just “teaching the textbook” isn’t an option. Some of the standards may not be in a particular textbook so teachers must find other sources. Also, the standards are categorized as “introduced, developing, state assessed and mastered.” State assessed (T-CAP skills) and mastery skills are the ones which must be mastered in that grade level. However, the introductory and developing skills must be presented to students so they will be familiar with them the next school year. These standards are also used when students must have remedial work from the previous grade or must be challenged by using advanced skills. Teachers indicate that they are teaching these skills by highlighting them, using a checklist, or writing them in their plans. The standards are adjusted by the state department of education. For example, in 2009- 2010 they will be much more difficult. It almost seems like kindergarten has become first grade, etc. You have probably noticed that your child is learning things which you didn’t have until later grades when you were in school. The TN Curriculum Standards are on the TN Education Department website for all grade levels if you wish to access them. (http://www.state.tn.us/education/) Choose curriculum and standards from that site. To be a teacher in today’s world, one must be skillful in a multitude of areas!