Thursday, October 25, 2007
Governor Culver Discusses Adopting Core Curriculum Statewide By 2010
Core Curriculum for High School to Include 21st Century Skills
DES MOINES – Today, during his “Capitol for a Day” stop in Mount Vernon, Governor Chet Culver discussed his goal for Iowa’s model core curriculum at the high school level to be adopted statewide by 2010.
The Model Core Curriculum currently emphasizes the academic areas of language arts, mathematics, science and social studies. In addition, Governor Culver would like to see this curriculum expanded to include important skills necessary to succeed in the 21st Century, such as financial literacy, health literacy, higher level thinking skills, civic literacy and employability skills. This complete core curriculum would provide assistance to teachers by offering instructional strategies and model unit development, as well as lessons to increase rigor and relevance in student work.
“I ran for Governor to build ‘One Iowa,’ and give every child in the state an equal opportunity to succeed as an adult,” said Governor Culver. “It is critical we ensure all students in Iowa are given the opportunity to learn the skills we know they will need after graduation, whether they go on to college or straight to the work force. It is important to begin the discussion on adoption of this core curriculum statewide to reach our goal of aligning our expectations for student instruction to the state core standards. In addition, adopting an innovative curriculum that teaches young people how to manage their finances, stay healthy and think critically, will help Iowa students get ready for work and life in the 21st century.”
Last April, the State Board of Education adopted the core curriculum as a model for math, science and literacy in high school. Currently, the Iowa Department of Education is working with teachers, business, higher education representatives, and Area Education personnel to expand the core curriculum to include K-8 language arts, mathematics and science. Also on the agenda is the completion of K-12 social studies and areas of skills such as understanding personal finances, knowing civic responsibilities, and engaging in practices for a healthy life. It is expected that the State Board of Education will review the complete core curriculum in April 2008.
Since the State Board approved the core curriculum in April, many school districts have participated in the analysis of their local curriculum, alignment to standards and review of their curriculum materials. Although the work is comprehensive, the actions of school districts to incorporate a world-class rigorous curriculum will provide a strong basis for Iowa students to continue to lead the nation in achievement.
"For the past few years it has been evident that educators in Iowa would like additional guidance on how to structure curriculum that provides quality teaching and rigorous student learning. The core curriculum is aligned to the state core standards and provides depth and breath to classroom instruction," stated Judy Jeffrey, director of the Iowa Department of Education.
“I want to hear thoughts about the best way to adopt Iowa’s model core curriculum statewide,” continued Governor Culver. “I will continue to seek input from education stakeholders, administrators, parents, students and legislators on how to improve education in Iowa. I believe this core curriculum should be applied to all students, regardless of career path, and should provide flexibility within broader local curriculums.”