Monday, December 9, 2013

Johnson STEM Magnet has new students -- parents

Johnson parents discover
Some hands-on work by parents, guardians and school staff lead to adults learning more about the new Common Core Standards at Johnson Elementary STEM Magnet School in Emerald Hills.

At a recent parent meeting, Johnson staff and parents came together to learn more about the demands that the Common Core State Standards will require of teachers, parents and students.

Parents were given a performance task in the area of science and were put though the challenge of doing the lesson as students. Parents learned how concepts build upon prior years learning and the importance of literacy in all of the content areas as students will be expected to explain their thinking through various types of pictorial representations, oral explanations and through writing.

Parents asked many questions about what their students are going to be expected to do in grades K through the high school years and enjoyed this hands on experience.
Centrally located in the Emerald Hills community, Johnson Elementary STEM Magnet School has more than a half-century of tradition. The school, named for former Superintendent Henry C. Johnson, continues to grow and expand.

"We provide a stimulating and rigorous curriculum to ensure grade level proficiency," said Principal Tracey Jenkins-Martin. "Our high expectations foster strong academic excellence. Addressing the needs of the whole child is critical. Our teaching reflects this belief, while strengthening the understanding of STEM."

For more information on the school and its implementation of the new Common Core State Standards, contact Jenkins-Martin at (619) 344-4900.

The San Diego Unified School District, other California districts and the California Department of Education are participating in Common Core State Standards.

Educational standards describe what students should know and be able to do in each subject in each grade. In California, the State Board of Education decides on the standards for all students, from kindergarten through high school. The California Department of Education helps schools make sure that all students are meeting the standards.

Common standards allow for collaboration among states on best practices and professional development. It also helps students whose families move from state-to-state to minimize the adjustment at school. For more information on Common Core State Standards, visit the district's website.