WHAT DOES COMMON CORE
MEAN FOR MY CHILD?
A Parent’s Guide to Student Success
In the spring of 2015, Parkway students starting in the third grade and above
will begin taking new state tests in Math and English Language Arts. The new
MAP tests will include more challenging academic content based on the
Common Core State Standards. The goal of the new tests is to better prepare
students for success in college or the workforce when they graduate.
Why new standards?
The world is changing. As parents and educators, we’re
preparing students for a world that is very different from
when we were in school. With advances in technology
and a competitive, global economy, many of the jobs our
children will have don’t even exist yet.
Students will always need an education that is grounded in
essential knowledge and basic skills. But that’s not enough.
They also need to be able to think, solve problems and
respond to the challenges of an ever-changing world. They
must know how to apply what they learn in the classroom
to everyday life to help them wrestle with complex issues.
In short, they must develop a deeper understanding of
core concepts in school.
How will the tests be different?
1.
The new MAP tests will be taken online. Parkway students have already started practicing
with similar online tests to help them get ready. Traditional pencil and paper tests will
continue to be available. However, we’ve found that most students prefer computer-based tests.
2.
There will be fewer multiple-choice and simple,
fill-in-the-blank questions. In their place, students
will be asked to demonstrate that they understand the
basic concepts and can apply them in practical ways to
solve problems. Sample test questions are listed on the
other side of this flyer.
3.
The tests will be more
demanding and some
content will be covered
sooner than before. Because
of this, we expect an initial
decrease in overall test scores.
Sample Test Questions
OLD QUESTION:
Newton’s third law of motion states that for every action there
is an
and
reaction.
NEW QUESTION:
State Newton’s Third Law
of Motion. Then design a
simple experiment to test
the law.
OLD QUESTION:
Answer: For every
action, there is an equal
and opposite reaction
Which of the following is the least
common multiple of 3 and 4?
a.1
b.7
c.12
d.24
Answer: Equal and Opposite
Action
NEW QUESTION:
Kate waters her grass every three days
and pulls out weeds every four days.
She does both on April 2nd. What is
the next date that she will both water
her grass and pull out weeds?
Answer: April 14
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How can I help my child learn at home?
We want all students to be successful when they graduate from Parkway. You can help by carving out time every day
for your child to study in a quiet place. Try to sit down with your child at least once a week to go over homework and
assignments. This will keep you informed about what your child is working on, and will ensure you are the first to know
if your child needs additional help in certain areas. Finally, keep in touch with your teachers and work as a team to
support your child’s learning and growth.
How can I get more information?
Go to pkwy.info/commoncorestatestandards to find:
» Videos
» Answers to frequently asked questions
» Links to additional resources
For additional information, contact your Principal or Kevin Beckner, Coordinator of
Student Assessment at [email protected].
parkwayschools.net
314.415.8100