Common+Core

Background
The Common Core State Standards are designed to help ensure that students in every state have access to the same set of standards for English Language Arts and Mathematics, K-12. Many mistakenly believe that the standards were developed by the federal government. The federal government had no role in the standards. This is a state -led initiative facilitated by the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) and the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices. State adoption is voluntary. Standards in subject areas beyond English Language Arts and Mathematics may be developed in the future.

Standards Goal
Until now, all state s developed their own standards and there was no consistency in what was taught in individual state s. The Common Core Standards initiative “will allow state s to share information effectively and help provide all students with an equal opportunity for an education that will prepare them to go to college or enter the workforce, regardless of where they live,” according to the Common Core Standards website. The new standards will ensure more consistency in the curriculum. The new standards clearly communicate what is expected of students at each grade. The standards:
 * Are aligned with college and work expectations
 * Are clear, understandable and consistent
 * Include rigorous content and application of knowledge through higher-order skills
 * Build upon strengths and lessons of current state standards
 * Are informed by other top performing countries, and
 * Are evidence-based.

Teacher Involvement
Teachers, principals, superintendents, and others will decide how the standards are to be met. Teachers will continue to prepare lesson plans and lead their classrooms. Many teachers were involved in developing the standards through the National Education Association, American Federation of Teachers, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and the National Council of Teachers of English. Reference: []

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