New York State's Deputy Commissioner of Higher Education Addresses Common Core Standards at Dowling College Forum

Dr. John D’Agati, New York State’s Deputy Commissioner of Higher Education addressed the issue of Common Core Learning Standards at a forum hosted by Dowling College.

According to Dr. D’Agati, the Common Core initiative is definitely a step in the right direction, but like any new undertaking can be refined. While there is no doubt that education is facing a variety of challenges, it is equally clear that the rigors inherent in the Common Core Standards and the dedication of the teachers and educational leaders implementing them, will yield positive results and a promising future, filled with opportunity for students.

According to Dowling College President, Albert Insrerra, who attended the forum, “Common Core is more challenging and the new standards are more rigorous than previous standards but are essential because of what is being taught in leading countries around the world. Students are taught the skills that enable them to can think critically and creatively in order to deal with complex twenty-first century issues. Because these standards are aligned with college-and career expectations, students will also be equipped with the collaborative and communication skills that the workplace demands.”

Thomas Mangano, a Professor of Education at Dowling College told forum participants that, “The Dowling College School of Education faculty has embraced these high standards of exceptional performance, and has integrated them in all facets of its teacher-training program.”

Mangano also pointed out that, “Common Core standards encourage teachers to collaborate, develop and share lessons, resources and what works in the classroom, allowing teachers to more easily individualize instruction to meet student needs which frees them up to create new, innovative and more effective ways to actively engage students in the learning process.”

Dr. Mangano points out that, “The higher Common Core standards prepare students, our future workforce, with the skills that the workplace demands. A better prepared, more highly skilled workforce attracts new businesses and allows current businesses to hire employees that are ready to work rather than having to spend money on extensive training or leaving jobs unfilled.”

According to Dowling President Inserra, “Parents also benefit from Common Core because it is aligned with college-and career expectations. Students are not only better prepared for the demands they face after high school, but college costs are reduced because there is less need for costly, remedial, non-credit bearing courses.

Dowling College is an independent comprehensive educational institution in the liberal arts tradition whose mission is to provide its students with a well-rounded education based upon innovative teaching, informed and engaging research, and a commitment to democratic citizenship with a community service component. Dowling fosters an open and supportive learning environment that is based upon collaboration between a committed and supportive expert faculty and a student body diverse in its interests, beliefs, culture, ethnicity, and geographic origin. Dowling recognizes learning as a lifetime endeavor, particularly as it relates to globalization. The college upholds its educational mission through teaching, learning and research in the arts, sciences and professions such as education, business and aviation, and by providing members of the community and Dowling alumni with opportunities for continuing education.

One year after graduation, 96% are employed or attending graduate school. www.payscale.com ranks Dowling in the top 25% of all colleges nationally for highest paid graduates.