DES MOINES – Governor Chet Culver announced today that the State Board of Education has accepted the final portion of the Iowa Core Curriculum required for all kindergarten through 12th grade students in the state of Iowa. The portion approved by the board focuses on expectations for kindergarten through eighth-grade students in the area of social studies and 21st century skills.
"As a former teacher, I know the important role a comprehensive, rigorous education plays on a child's future," said Governor Culver. "I want to thank the Board for taking this step and putting in place the final piece of Iowa's core curriculum. Iowa is once again demonstrating our commitment to our children. But our work is not done, and I will continue to do all I can to ensure that each and every child in this state has the quality education they deserve.
The Iowa Core Curriculum is a set of essential concepts and skills in literacy, math, science, social studies, and 21st century learning skills (civic literacy, financial literacy, technology literacy, health literacy, and employability skills) that all Iowa students must know by the time they graduate from high school.
Governor Culver signed the mandatory Iowa Core Curriculum into law May 1, 2008. Schools in Iowa are now receiving training on the Iowa Core Curriculum, which must be fully implemented in high schools by 2012-2013 and in kindergarten through eighth (K-8) grade by 2014-2015.
"The Iowa Core Curriculum is truly an historic step in Iowa education," Iowa Department of Education Director Judy Jeffrey said. "By including 21st century skills, Iowa is one of only a few states in the nation focused on identifying specific skills our students will need to be successful in this global economy."
The board accepted the 21st century skills, which includes employability skills, financial literacy, health literacy, technology literacy and civic literacy. In addition, the board approved essential skills and concepts for social studies, which address the specific areas of behavioral sciences, economics, geography, history, and political science/civic literacy. The skills and concepts approved are identified for grade spans, including primary elementary grades, intermediate elementary grades, and middle school.
The board also approved additional math skills for kindergarten through 12th grade. These include skills related to problem solving, ability to construct and apply multiple connected representations, and more.
"The intent of the Iowa Core Curriculum is to raise student achievement and improve teaching in Iowa," Jeffrey said. "To support this effort, I ask everyone who touches the lives of young Iowans - teachers, parents, grandparents, coaches, mentors, employers – to set high academic expectations for our youth. students I have talked to say they will deliver what we expect."
The Iowa Core Curriculum was developed by teams representing teachers, students, administrators, higher education, the business community, and experts in the fields of science, literacy, math, social studies, and 21st century skills with review of national and international standards.