Common Core Standards

1. What is the National Initiative for Common Core State Standards?

The Council of Chief State School Officers and the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) coordinated the state-led Common Core State Standards initiative. California was one of 48 states that participated in this effort. Because the standards were developed by states in collaboration with one another, they provide common expectations for what students are expected to learn. The final set of CCSS was released in June 2010. As of August 2010, the CCSS have been adopted by 37 states.

2. What are the Common Core State Standards?

The CCSS address the content areas of English language arts (ELA) and mathematics. Additionally, the common core ELA standards include literacy standards for history/social studies, science, and technical subjects. These kindergarten through grade 12 standards provide a progression of knowledge and skills that prepare students to graduate from high school and be ready for college and careers. The Standards are research-based and internationally benchmarked.

3. Where Can I Find Information About the National Initiative for Common Core State Standards?

Information about the national initiative for Common Core State Standards is available at: http://www.corestandards.org/.

4. Why are Common Core State Standards Needed?

Presently, each state has its own set of standards, and consequently, what students are expected to learn varies from state to state. The initiative is an effort to set a clear and consistent progression of K-12 standards that will prepare students for success in college and their careers. The CCSS articulate the same expectations for all students, regardless of where they live.

5. What are Some of the Advantages of Having Common Core State Standards?

There are many advantages for adopting the Common Core State Standards. This effort provides opportunities to collaborate with other states, reduces costs by pooling resources, and articulates internationally benchmarked expectations for student performance. The English language arts and mathematics content standards are considered to be among the most rigorous in the United States. The new CCSS are rigorous, internationally benchmarked, and will prepare students to experience future success in college and careers.

6. How were English Learner Considerations Addressed in the Common Core State Standards?

Linguists and experts in English learner educational issues were involved in the development of the CCSS for English language arts. These individuals assisted in shaping the standards in general, and had a significant impact on the language and vocabulary standards. TThe developers of the CCSS have expressed an interest in creating English language development (ELD) standards.