Cincinnati Public School students head back to class next week. Today Superintendent Mary Ronan opened the year with the annual State of the Schools address.
Ronan says the district will fully implement the new Common Core standards.
"It's tricky because you're teaching to the new standards but the tests, for another two years, will still be on the old standards," says Ronan. "So it is very difficult for our teachers. We're trying to do 'crosswalks' from the old standards to the new standards but I think most districts feel there's going to be an implementation dip that's going to occur because things are out of alignment right now."
Ronan expects to see a dip on the district's next state report card as it is changing formats as well.
She adds while the district is doing well, it needs to work on bringing more kids reading scores up to grade level.
Much of Ronan's address featured key partnerships between schools, communities and businesses that help bridge gaps that can hinder learning.
The district's building facilities plan is moving on-time and on-budget, Ronan says. The district is also launching a comprehensive, district-wide recycling program that will include administrative offices as well.
