Norwalk Public Library and Norwalk Education Foundation Host Forum on Common Core State Standards

On Thursday, January 30, educators from Norwalk Public Schools will speak about Common Core State Standards in a community forum hosted by the Norwalk Public Library and Norwalk Education Foundation.  

The free event for parents and community members will take place from 6-8 pm at the Library’s main branch on Belden Ave.

Common Core State Standards (CCSS or Common Core) are a set of research-based, globally competitive K-12 expectations for English language arts (ELA) and mathematics. Adopted by 45 states across the country, including Connecticut, Common Core State Standards are comparable across states. Norwalk schools are currently rolling out changes to curriculum and testing procedures designed to meet the new standards.  

“Many parents have asked us what the Common Core shift means for their children and we really didn’t know how to answer them," said Vicki Oatis, Children’s Librarian in a release. “We reached out to NEF to help us plan an information session to demystify Common Core.”

The panel will include Tony Daddona, Deputy Superintendent; Ralph Valenzisi, Chief of Technology, Innovation and Partnerships; Craig Creller, District Math Specialist and Head of the Common Core Transition Team; Diane Filardo, District Testing Specialist; Maureen Jones, Elementary Assistant Principal and Tritty Kelly, Middle School English/Language Arts Department Head.

Each member of the panel will present information on Norwalk’s implementation of the Common Core which will be followed by a question and answer period. This event is open to the public and while child care is being provided by the library, space is limited and must be reserved by calling the library at (203) 899-2780, ext.  15131.

The Norwalk Education Foundation and the Norwalk Public Library have a long history of hosting community conversations, originating with the South Norwalk Library and leadership from Sherelle Harris. NEF and the library are committed to community outreach to help parents advocate for their children.