GUSD schools welcomed students back with smiles, fist bumps … and Common Core.

By Jason KUROSU

Public schools are back in session and kids seem to be everywhere. About 8,795 kids from kindergarten to 12th grade attend the seven local elementary schools, one middle school and two high schools in the Crescenta Valley area. It is important to remember the speed limit is 25 miles per hour in school zones, so give yourself plenty of time to get to school/work. When driving near crossing guards in crosswalks, stop – do not attempt to drive around them.

Typical of every school year are changes in the schools. One of the biggest changes that has been rolled out in stages since 2012 is Common Core State Standards, a different approach to curriculum teaching. The state of California adopted Common Core in 2010. Since then, the Glendale Unified School District has been training teachers and getting everyone ready for this new, or remodeled, approach to teaching.

The ongoing implementation of Common Core in GUSD classrooms places an emphasis on student collaboration and the growing use of technology. The standards have established particular guidelines for students in English/Language Arts and math, stressing critical thinking, usage of multiple texts in learning and a deeper understanding of the concepts discussed in the classroom.

Lynn Marso, assistant superintendent of Educational Services, said that part of the shift is working together more, not just gathering information from a wider variety of written texts and sources but also from a wider variety of people.

“There’s going to be a significant amount of collaboration,” said Marso. “Students will be working more in pairs, partners and groups, working through a project from beginning to end.”

An emphasis on 21st century skills has also led to further exploration into career and college readiness, as well as technology. Programs such as robotics and foods will be available from the elementary level through high school. The standards have set learning goals that apply to numerous career paths in different industry sectors.

Increased use of technology also plays a role in the adherence to career education in an increasingly technological world.

Last school year, the school district invested funds for Chromebooks and supplementary equipment. GUSD will be purchasing more Chromebooks this year and, according to Marso, Google and the Internet in general will be utilized more as a research tool within the classroom. Students will also continue to use computers as part of the Smarter Balanced Assessments, statewide testing which will test according to the Common Core State Standards and adjusts questions based on the responses and understanding of the student. Smarter Balanced Assessments received a trial run of sorts in GUSD schools last year, but these tests will soon become customary as far as statewide testing goes.

Mary O’Keefe contributed to

this story

  Mary Okeefe