Common Core State Standards Initiative State-led and developed common core standards for K-12 in English/language arts and mathematics Initiative led by the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) and National Governors Association (NGA) 1

What are educational standards? Why do they matter? Standards matter because they define our outcomes. They create a shared understanding of what students should know and be able to do at each grade level and when they leave the education system. That being said, standards are an essential foundation for our educational system, but they are insufficient on their own. 2

States in the driver’s seat State-led Initiative States in the driver’s seat The federal government did not develop the standards or require their adoption. 3

Why do we need common standards? Why now? Disparate standards across states Today’s jobs require different skills Global competition For many young people, a high school degree isn’t preparing them for college or a good job. 4

Why is This Important for Students, Teachers, and Parents? Prepares students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in college and work Ensures consistent expectations regardless of a student’s zip code Provides educators, parents, and students with clear, focused guideposts Offers economies of scale

Features of the Standards Aligned with college and work expectations Focused and coherent Include rigorous content and application of knowledge through high-order skills Build upon strengths and lessons of current state standards Based on evidence and research Internationally benchmarked Should be read to allow the widest possible range of students to participate fully 6

Foundation for the Standards Aligned with college and work expectations Prepare students for success in entry-level, credit-bearing, academic college courses (2- and 4- year postsecondary institutions) Prepare students for success in careers that offer competitive, livable salaries above the poverty line, opportunities for career advancement, and are in growing or sustainable industries 7

Standards Development Process College- and career-readiness standards for English/language arts and mathematics developed summer of 2009 Based on the college and career readiness standards, K-12 standards for each grade were developed Continual input throughout the process from states, educators, and business and higher education leaders Public comment period with nearly 10,000 responses Final standards released on June 2, 2010 Address question “Why the short timeline?” 8

42 states and D.C. have fully adopted the Common Core State Standards; 1 state has provisionally adopted the standards; and 1 state has adopted only the ELA standards. 9

What’s in the Standards 10

Applications Applications for English language learners Learn academic content while learning English. English proficiency is not a prerequisite to students achieving the goals laid out in the standards. Application for students with disabilities “Students with disabilities are a heterogeneous group with one common characteristic: the presence of disabling conditions that significantly hinder their abilities to benefit from general education.” (IDEA 34 CFR §300.39, 2004) Therefore, how these high standards are taught and assessed is of the utmost importance in reaching this diverse group of students. “Promoting a culture of high expectations for all students is a fundamental goal of the Common Core State Standards.” 11

ENGLISH/LANGUAGE ARTS (ELA) & STANDARDS FOR ENGLISH/LANGUAGE ARTS (ELA) & LITERACY IN HISTORY/SOCIAL STUDIES, SCIENCE, AND TECHNICAL SUBJECTS 12

Design and Organization Introduction Description of capacities of a literate student (e.g., demonstrate independence, come to understand other perspectives and cultures) Three main sections K−5 cross-disciplinary 6−12 English language arts 6−12 literacy in history/social studies, science, and technical subjects Three appendices A: Research and evidence; glossary of key terms B: Reading text exemplars; sample performance tasks C: Annotated student writing samples Integrated model of literacy 13

ELA Key Advances Reading Writing Balance of literature and informational texts Text complexity Writing Emphasis on argument and informative/explanatory writing Writing about sources Standards for reading and writing in history/ social studies, science, and technical subjects Complement rather than replace content standards in those subjects Responsibility of teachers in those subjects

MATHEMATICS STANDARDS 15

Design and Organization Standards for Mathematical Practice Carry across all grade levels Describe habits of mind of a mathematically expert student Standards for Mathematical Content K-8 standards presented by grade level High school standards presented by conceptual theme Appendix Designing high school math courses based on the Common Core State Standards 16 16

Math Key Advances Focus in early grades on number (arithmetic and operations) to build a solid foundation in math Evened out pace across the grades Focus on using math and solving complex problems, similar to what would see in the real world in high school Emphasis on problem-solving and communication 17