Wisconsin middle school introduces CCSS-aligned classes

As school districts in 45 states and the District of Columbia transition to curricula aligned with the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), officials at different institutions are finding that they face unique challenges on their way to achieving their implementation goals.

For example, officials from Holmen Middle School in Wisconsin have decided it is best to restructure the school day, as they believe it will help educators and students meet the new Standards, the Courier Life News reported. Beginning in the fall of 2013, students in the sixth, seventh and eighth grades will be required to take 60-minute core classes. In addition to a class that combines reading and writing instruction, pupils will be expected to complete courses in social studies, science and mathematics.

Ryan Vogler, Holmen's principal, told the news source that these changes have been in the works for more than a year now.

"Common Core is driving what we're doing in education right now," Vogler said. "This is putting us in the driver's seat when it comes to attacking the Common Core."

In Wisconsin, many education officials are optimistic about the transition to the CCSS. In a 2010 letter to school district administrators, Tony Evers, the state superintendent, wrote that Standards "hold the promise to improve the achievement of Wisconsin's students."