You may not have heard much about Common Core so far — but here’s the cheat sheet. In the past few years, a new set of education standards have been adopted by every state except these five: Texas, Nebraska, Virginia, Alaska, and Minnesota who has not adopted the math standard. Named the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), they set out what children should learn in math and English language arts from kindergarten through 12th grade. Although there are still a lot of unknowns about how and when these standards will be implemented, they are a first for the U.S. since previously each state created its own set of standards.
The adoption of a common set of standards tackles a couple of fundamental problems in American education. Because the previous state standards vary so radically, kids in one state can get a very different education from those in another. The other issue is the growing evidence that American schools are not preparing kids to compete in the global economy: students aren’t prepared for college and employers can’t find enough highly skilled workers. The reality for every parent is that these standards could greatly affect their child’s learning. In short, it’s a pretty big deal.
The elephant in the classroom
Having read every Common Core standard for each grade (our bedtime reading!), we know that they are more rigorous overall than many of the standards they will replace. They also strike a good balance between mastering the basics and learning the kinds of skills — critical thinking, problem solving, etc. — that every child will need in order to thrive in this complex and rapidly evolving world. They also encourage teachers to collaborate to help students build essential skills across subjects. Does that make them perfect? No. Do we have a crystal ball to know how this huge educational experiment will end up? Hardly. But we do know that in the midst of the bickering, parents will need a neutral, accurate source of information — designed just for you.
Beyond the blah blah blah
No matter how you feel about the Common Core, they will influence your child’s education. New standards are likely to mean changes in the classroom. Your child may be asked to read different sorts of books, take home new assignments, do more writing across subjects, and think in new vocabulary. Homework may be confusing. Report cards may be totally unfamiliar. And finally, your child’s standardized test scores may fall if your state uses new, more difficult standardized tests. This could mean parents whose kids have been proficient in reading or math suddenly being told their children are failing to meet expectations and need to attend remedial summer school, for example.
Standards! Curriculum! Assessments! Oh my!
While the education wonks are battling over the finer points of curriculum, standards, and formative and summative assessments, we want to cut through the conflict to help you figure out what the Common Core may mean for your child. Because no matter what, we know you are your child’s first, and most important, teacher.
Share your thoughts about the new Common Core State Standards.
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