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| Unstable Rocket |
I want to refer to the positioning of the Center of Gravity (CG) and the Center of Pressure (CP) on a rocket after reading and thinking about the Common Core Standards. If the CP on a rocket is positioned just right, then it can counter act outside rotating forces on the CG of a rocket and this will cause the rocket to go straight. If the CP is positioned wrong, then rotating forces will cause the rocket to go everywhere all at once and no where at the same time. The rocket will have no guidance to go straight, which is the goal in creating a stable rocket. Read into this analogy what you will but to me it describe our current state of education to a "T".
Explain how media described in the chapter are examples of literacy practices support by the Common Core.
~I enjoyed reading how Mrs. DeCordova changed her view on media from something that enhances a lesson to a lesson that invokes high level critical thinking skills. While there is nothing wrong with enhancing a lesson, she was missing an opportunity to take media to the next level by using it as a learning tool.
It is the information age. Our students are inundated with media everywhere they go. It has become a dominant force in our culture. Making sure our students are media literate will arm them with the tools they need to be responsible citizens that are knowledgable on a variety of topics that could positively and negatively affect their lives. The Common Core Standards emphasize the ability to "read" carefully and understand the details such as in persuasive arguments. Common Core is placing a demand on literacy critical thinking skills. Students will be expected to expand their knowledge on the world when they "read" information in front of them. They are expected to go one step further and be able to analyze pieces of information without having prior knowledge on the topic. By teaching our students how to decode or deconstruct multimedia messages, they will be able to defend or argue against information that is saturating their lives.
Because the Common Core has become so politicized in recent months it is important for all citizen in our democratic society to be informed about this educational reform initiative.
What do you like about the Common Core?
~I agree that students across America should have the opportunity to receive the same high quality education. I also like the fact that Common Core is looking at higher level thinking skills as a goal. Something has been wrong in our system for a while. Returning to college after 10 years proved this point to me. The students in the classroom were different (that is a general statement, please do not take offense). The students were not able to make higher level connections in science literacy. There was a connection missing and since I did not proceed through school with this generation it was very confusing to me. I don't think it was completely maturity on my end, the mindset of the younger students was much different than when I was in school 10+ years prior.
What concerns do you have?
I do not agree with the statements in the article regarding math, "Fact: The mathematical progressions presented in the Common Core State Standards are coherent and based on evidence." I have 2 kids in school. They are not learning the basic requirements to handle higher level math. I'm not seeing the scaffolding that needs to take place.
Find another media text that supports your stance.
I don't have a stance, which makes this difficult. I think if I had to adhere I may have picked a side by now but I am a mere spectator with feelings on both sides of the fence. I did not mind CSOs as a guide when I was in the classroom. The problem I had with CSOs is I have a hard time adhering to a schedule. I like to go at my own pace and focus on what students are interested in. I am having trouble with the creative aspect in Common Core... but at the same time I believe all students should have the same high quality education… but at the same time - am I not capable of picking the right things for our students to learn that will make them high level, critical thinkers who can decode situations and scaffold their knowledge? See my issues?
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| Common Core Gallup 2013 |
Authors and Audience:
Who produced this document, and for what purpose?
~Watchmen News. This image was produced as a result of a Gallup Poll done in California. The public overwhelmingly voted that they distrusted the Common Core idea.
Who produced this document, and for what purpose?
~Watchmen News. This image was produced as a result of a Gallup Poll done in California. The public overwhelmingly voted that they distrusted the Common Core idea.
When was this produced, and what was it's historical context?
This image was produced in 2013. “The 2013 poll shows deep confusion around the nation’s most significant education policies and poses serious communication challenges for education leaders” (LA School Report, 2013). The poll included 1001 Americans over the age of 18.
Who is the target audience?
The American public. The poll was based off of public concerns. The report was written to inform the public on the information that was found in the poll.
Messages and Meanings
What are the messages communicated?
The message communicated by the image is sarcasm, as if teachers are forced to be happy about standardized tests that accompany Common Core.
This image was produced in 2013. “The 2013 poll shows deep confusion around the nation’s most significant education policies and poses serious communication challenges for education leaders” (LA School Report, 2013). The poll included 1001 Americans over the age of 18.
Who is the target audience?
The American public. The poll was based off of public concerns. The report was written to inform the public on the information that was found in the poll.
Messages and Meanings
What are the messages communicated?
The message communicated by the image is sarcasm, as if teachers are forced to be happy about standardized tests that accompany Common Core.
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| Communism Fist |
What techniques are used to attract and hold attention?
The word "collectivist" combined with the image of a fist looks much like the clinched fist used to symbolize communism. That is not a symbol of trust in our nation. It stands out in the minds of Americans and causes fear.
How might people interpret this message differently?
People who are undecided on the message may see the Gallup Poll which "represents" America (all 1001 of us) as decidedly against Common Core. And if they relate it to a Communist image, then it may actually produce fear of a Communistic future. The word "Collectivist" is in red, which is also the Communist color.
People who were against Common Core to begin with may have more ammunition to strengthen their argument basing it off the American Public (all 1001 of us).
People who are proponents for Common Core will most likely ignore this message as another paranoid fear.
Who might benefit from (and who might be harmed by) this message?
The Common Core Standards are definitely going to be harmed by this message. It gives non supporters additional fuel. Of course, the non supporters will be the one's who benefit from the message.
Representation and Reality
What information or perspective is left out of this message?
What confuses me is that the message in the article states, “The 2013 poll shows deep confusion around the nation’s most significant education policies and poses serious communication challenges for education leaders.” However, the sample of people who took the poll is only 1001. To me that is not a large enough sample of the American Public to make such a generalized statement. I need more statistics to buy into this idea fully.
The Common Core Standard is represented in the article because it does state aspects of Common Core such as, "Yet nearly all respondents, 95 percent, said they want schools to teach critical thinking skills, another Common Core goal." This corresponds to the confusion of the American Public (all 1001 of us).
Is this an accurate and credible representation?
I don't feel like it is because once again - it only represent 1001 Americans and as of July 4, 2013 - 316,148,990 Americans (United States Census Bureau). However, I do feel there is some truth in regards to what the American public understands about Common Core and what Common Core actually is. Also I agree that it is posing communication errors. I am on the fence because I think statements are credible within the article but I do not think the statistics are reliable and valid.
How does this reflect the perspective or bias of its creator?
If one were to look at the image alone the bias would be towards non-supporters. If one were to read the article they would then understand the image is based on the confusion of what Common Core actually is.
Text and Subtext
Text
The Text is a visual of the Communistic Clinched Fist, with common American workers united under it. The word "Collectivist" is a highlighted word.
Subtext
I see it as an image that emphasizes the fact that creativity is being sucked out of our school system. The word "Collectivist" in this context points to a communistic ideal. And it seems to point to a sarcastic view of how "happy" our teachers should be to fall into line under Common Core.
Side note: To be competitive in the international market we are going to need minds that think outside the box. I can only hope that Common Core and its desire to think on a higher level will be able to accomplish that but I am not too sure. My thoughts are that we will be in too big of a hurry to hit too many topics under all subjects and the important details are being skipped. I don't think that is the way to prepare our students.
Language of Persuasion
The image is a satire full of dripping sarcasm. It falls under Association.
Citation
LA School Report. (2013, August 23). Public dislikes common core standards, says new gallup poll. Retrieved from http://watchmen-news.com/2013/08/23/public-dislikes-common-core-standards-says-new-gallup-poll/
United States Census Bureau. (n.d.). U.s. and world population clock. Retrieved from http://www.census.gov/popclock/
Citation
LA School Report. (2013, August 23). Public dislikes common core standards, says new gallup poll. Retrieved from http://watchmen-news.com/2013/08/23/public-dislikes-common-core-standards-says-new-gallup-poll/
United States Census Bureau. (n.d.). U.s. and world population clock. Retrieved from http://www.census.gov/popclock/
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