Iowa Core


Research shows that high expectations are a critical ingredient in improving student performance and ensuring student success beyond high school. The Iowa Core provides a guide to delivering challenging and meaningful content to students that prepares them for the world of work and lifelong learning. The Iowa Core identifies essential concepts and skills for kindergarten through 12th grade in literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, and 21st century skills. Also included is direction for teachers regarding effective instruction and assessment of aligned curriculum. It takes learning to a deeper level by moving students beyond superficial knowledge to deep conceptual and procedural knowledge. It also enhances student engagement by emphasizing interesting, robust, and relevant learning experiences.

If school districts implement the Iowa Core with integrity, then the likelihood that each and every student will become a lifelong learner, productive adult, and engaged citizen is increased.

 

Contact

Deb Johnsen
Iowa Core Lead
712-592-2151

 

Resources
"An important point in this discussion is that the Iowa Core is not a “curriculum,” but rather a set of standards and expectations for students. Local district leaders and classroom teachers take these standards and turn them into a detailed curriculum and lessons for students. There is a balance to be struck between the state setting the standards and these standards being brought to life through curriculum design and lesson planning. While choices about curriculum and lessons should be solidly in the purview of school districts, the state can support the implementation of the Iowa Core by providing model curricula that may be used as a guide and starting point."-Governor Bransted's brief for World Class Schools, January 6, 2012
Organization of the Standards (DOCX) 21st Century Skills (PDF)
Math (PDF)
 Social Studies (PDF)
Literacy (PDF) Science (PDF)
Iowa Department of Educaton IC Site

 

Additional Resources
Iowa Core Implementation Plan & Self-Study (DOCX) Iowa Core Action Template (DOC)
Moodle Resources Iowa Core Moodle Tutorial for Fine Arts & Non-core Educators (PDF)
Iowa Core District Plans for public access (last update October 2010)
Note: Updates are current at district password protected edinfo sites.

 

 


Website questions or comments: Deb Johnsen
Last Updated ( 01/13/2012 12:19 PM )
 
Halverson Center for Education
P.O. Box 1109
24997 Highway 92
Council Bluffs, IA. 51502

Phone: (712) 366-0503
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