More Depth of Knowledge Learning

The following video gives a description of Webb's Depth of Knowledge, along with a Social Studies example. http://vimeo.com/42788913

Cognitive Complexity - What is it and how does it relate to the Iowa Core?

The Iowa Core Standards for Literacy and Mathematics are intended to play a central role in defining what teachers teach. That is, teachers are to align their instruction to the Standards. The Standards not only define the topical, procedural, and conceptual knowledge students are to learn, they also define the type of cognitive processes in which students are to engage. This is known as cognitive demand or cognitive complexity. The practical implication of cognitive complexity is that the Standards require teachers to provide students with instructional experiences that not only address the topical and conceptual knowledge of the standards, but the type of thinking called for by the standards as well.

Learn more about cognitive complexity by accessing information at the following url:

http://www.educateiowa.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2111&Itemid=4603#reports

Let's Chat Core

In this series, Sarah Brown Wessling explains the Common Core State Standards and offers insights on how to implement the Core in classrooms across America. https://www.teachingchannel.org/videos/understanding-the-common-core-standards

How Rigorous is the Iowa Core?

Academic Rigor using Webb's Depth of Knowledge

Since 2005, Iowa has been on a multi-year journey to reinvigorate our education system. One of the foundational elements of this effort has been the Iowa Core (formerly the Iowa Model Core Curriculum and Iowa Core Curriculum). The work of the Iowa Core over this time can be divided into three phases: (1) initial adoption and implementation, (2) adoption of the Common Core State Standards in Literacy and Mathematics, and (3) Iowa Core expansion. As the development of the Iowa Core has evolved over time, so too has the nature of work schools and districts should do with the Iowa Core. This report describes work related to the cognitive complexity called for by the Iowa Core Literacy and Mathematics standards. Furthermore, this report explores the implications and applications of the Iowa Core standards’ cognitive complexity for the Iowa Department of Education’s (i.e., the Department) efforts to promote and support quality curriculum alignment work as one means of facilitating Iowa Core implementation in Iowa classrooms. 

Full Report: Determining the Cognitive Complexity of the Iowa Core in Literacy and Mathematics

Access the full set of resources using the following link:

http://www.educateiowa.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2111&Itemid=4603#reports

Smarter Balanced Releases Sample Test Items

Smarter Balanced sample items illustrate the rigor and complexity of the English language arts/literacy and mathematics items and performance tasks students will encounter on the Consortium’s next-generation assessments. Take a look by accessing the following link: http://www.smarterbalanced.org/sample-items-and-performance-tasks/