关键词:
Educational tests & measurements
Educational evaluation
Education policy
摘要:
This study explores middle school teachers’ perspectives and their lived experiences of teaching the English Language Arts (ELA) Common Core State Standards (CCSS) through a phenomenological study. In 2010, the CCSS quality benchmarks aligned to grades K-12 and rigorous standardized examinations were adopted nationwide. Due to increased demands on students, teachers felt great anxiety and distress to implement the new standards and prepare their students to perform at the benchmarks set forth. Based on the existing literature, extensive insights and perspectives from educators are needed in order to strengthen their skill sets tailored to these standards and expectations. Thus, this study provides teachers a platform so as to know of their lived experiences of implementing the CCSS. This qualitative phenomenological study describes teachers’ perspectives and lived experiences in implementing state mandates, specifically the CCSS. Six middle school teachers from a private school and a public school within the New York City urban area were selected to participate based on their level of teaching within a) NYC middle school, b) involvement with the CCSS, c) subject taught: English Language Arts, d) level of interest on the topic. Triangulation of data was obtained by collecting multiple sources of data: in-depth, focused, multiple one-on-one interviews, and one focus group interview. Audio transcription notes from the interview sessions and observations of teachers during interviews and classroom practice, field notes, and written entries were utilized to create in-depth accounts of teachers’ experiences. Data analysis revealed that teachers have major concerns regarding professional development/resources, impact on classroom, students and teachers, administrative support, and involvement of teachers in policy. The findings may potentially influence administrators, policy makers, and teachers to survey teachers’ various perspectives on the specific components of state