Clinton Township Newsletter

1 2 J u l y 2 0 1 4 www.ClintonTwpNewsletter.com C L I N T O N T O W N S H I P S C H O O L N E W S www.ctsd.k12.nj.us Dear Residents of Clinton Township: One thing we are certain of in education these days is change. If you have been reading this column regularly, I know you are aware of the many changes we have seen over the past few years in our schools. One that I would like to make particular note of, is the change to the com- mon core curriculum State standards in language arts and math. They are critically important for the public to take note of because I believe they are a game changer for the forty-four states that have adopted them and the schools and students within each system. Parents and communities need to sit up and take notice. Many say these standards should not be utilized and there are numerous dissenting opinions, however it is an academic discussion right now. They are the standard in our State and we are currently required to follow them and all they encompass. Until or unless that changes, we are where we are. Some original states are pulling out of the commitment, but New Jersey has not at this time. So here is what you need to know in order to prepare your children: • These common core State standards were designed to increase readiness for college and careers because of concerns by business and universities that American students were not performing up to international competitive standards. • The concept was to increase rigor and make our students more competitive internationally. • The changes started a few years ago in primary grades and have worked their way through the system. Our current middle schoolers are beginning to see changes and next year there will be even more. High Schools are also impacted. • A frequently asked question is: What is increased rigor? More work? No, it is not just learning but thinking and analyzing information in new ways. This means that you can't just study more. Students are being asked to work through problems by analyzing informational text and draw conclusions based on facts, data and inference. It requires students to master basics earlier and then have the freedom to think beyond the simplistic responses. • What will change in school? First, the program itself is already seeing differences. Topics covered in later grades have moved down earlier. Expectations are more succinct and there is less time to grow into a skill. Mastery is expected. Homework will need to be completed and basic math facts need to be mastered or a student may not be able to move forward in the same way. Test scores will become more dominate. Reading analytically and writing will become even more critical and focused on skills. A child cannot just love reading, but must be able to read for purpose and deep understanding. A book report is not just logging the hours, but understanding, comparing, summarizing and making connections. • What can parents do? Parents will need to do what good parents always did – expect the best. Play and fun and good exercise will always be important. Children need time to be children. However, we cannot make excuses for not doing homework, for not mastering math facts and vocabulary, for not getting to school on time and being prepared. Clinton Township has a Parent Resource page on our website with supports for each grade level. We even have test support and typing tutors. Please use these resources. They are there for the taking. • Be realistic about your child's strengths and challenges. Stay informed and listen to the advice your teachers give. In Clinton Township, we know every child is special and deserves their best shot at whatever life has in store for their future. Let's work as a team to build their successes! The common core curriculum is a game changer that will impact many decisions for years to come. Help us give the children of Clinton Township their best options by supporting your schools and helping us make the best decisions possible. We may not love all of it, but there is value in higher expectations and hard work. As a teacher described the coming years so distinctly, "We are going to have to make our children's brains sweat!" A little extra exercise may be just what our students need to move forward in this brave new world. With appreciation, Dr. Drucilla Clark, Superintendent, Clinton Township School District email: dclark@dclark@ctsd.k12.nj.us C t S d b o a r d o f e d u C a t i o n : b o a r d m e e t i n g d a t e S f o r t h e 2 0 1 4 C a l e n d a r Y e a r : July 28, 2014, August 25, 2014, September 22, 2014, October 27, 2014, November 17, 2014*, December 15, 2014*, January 5, 2015* – Reorganization Meetings will be held on the fourth Monday of the month, except where noted *. Unforeseen circumstances may force the rescheduling of these meetings. In such cases, notice will be given as provided in the Open Public Meetings Act. Meetings are held at Clinton Township Middle School (34 Grayrock Rd.) in the Auditorium or Library at 7:30 pm. Find out what's going on in our schools, meet the Board and the Superintendent! All residents of CT are encouraged to attend, not just the parents of CTSD children. For BOE meeting minutes, visit: www.ctsd.k12.nj.us a l e t t e r f r o m Dr. Drucilla Clark, Superintendent of Schools "The dictionary is the only place where success comes before work. Hard work is the price we must pay for success. I think you can accomplish anything if you're willing to pay the price." ~ Vince Lombardi

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