IOWA
The third edition of Primary Sources is in final preparations and features 20,000 of our nation’s public school teachers sharing their thoughts on teaching in an era of change. In advance of the full report, a preview of Iowa teachers’ views on the Common Core State Standards — a set of clear, consistent guidelines for what students should know and be able to do for success after graduation — is now available.
The survey reveals enthusiasm for the standards among Iowa’s teachers, who believe the standards will have a positive impact on students’ ability to think critically and use reasoning skills. While they are realistic about implementing Common Core, recognizing this work will be challenging, they offer their views on what they need most to help students meet the standards. Listening to our teachers and bringing their voices to the forefront of the dialogue on education is critical to ensuring our students are prepared for college, career and life.
- More than two in three (69%) math, English language arts, science, and/or social studies teachers in Iowa are enthusiastic about the implementation of the Common Core State Standards in their classroom.
- More than three-quarters (78%) of math and/or English language arts teachers in Iowa believe the standards will have a positive impact on students’ ability to think critically and use reasoning skills. Twenty-two percent (22%) do not expect an impact either way or are not sure; zero percent of respondents expect a negative impact.
- At the same time, 69% of math, English language arts, science, and/or social studies teachers in Iowa believe implementing the standards is or will be challenging.
- When asked about the student populations in their classrooms meeting the Common Core State Standards, teachers in Iowa are most concerned about students who are currently working two or more grades below grade-level (with 34% expressing concern) and special education students (30%).
- For these and other students, teachers in Iowa say age-appropriate, leveled instructional materials (41%), co-teachers in the classroom (36%), school leaders who are committed to providing the resources needed for selected student populations (34%) and trained paraprofessionals in the classroom (34%) are among the top needs to help students meet the standards.