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Health & Fitness

WCC President Dr. Rose Bellanca discusses Michigan Common Core educational standards

Guest Column Originally Published in the Ann Arbor News By Dr. Rose Bellanca

Now that the Michigan legislature has voted to approve implementation of Common Core educational standards, our state joins 45 other states, the District of Columbia and four territories in an unprecedented effort to set clear, consistent standards for K-12 students across the nation.

The funding and implementation of these standards set expectations for what students should learn in English language arts and math to prepare them for college and the 21st century workplace. Additionally, the Smarter Balanced assessment is a good complement to the standards as it will assure a student’s progress is monitored and measured along their educational journey – to identify both areas of strength and areas needing additional attention. I applaud the teachers who will serve as valued guides and mentors to each of our students as they open their minds to limitless possibilities.

As president of Washtenaw Community College, I know there are many roads a student can travel in higher education – via a community college, a four-year university or online programs. What’s most important is that our Michigan children are well prepared to make a successful transition to college, learn critical thinking skills and be appropriately trained for the jobs of the 21st century. We must all collaborate together to ensure that these students get the quality education and information they need to achieve their goals and dreams.

Our children deserve nothing less.

Dr. Rose Bellanca is the President of Washtenaw Community College located in Ann Arbor, Michigan

Link to original article: http://www.mlive.com/opinion/ann-arbor/index.ssf/2013/11/guest_column_response_by_wcc_p.html

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