2. Standards help teachers ensure their students have the skills and knowledge they need by providing clear goals for student learning. Common standards mean that students receive a high quality education at every school, in every community in the state.

3. New Mexico Common Core State Standards are part of a movement in New Mexico and in 45 other states to ensure that all students, no matter where they live, are prepared to graduate from high school ready for college or a career.

4. New Mexico will be teaching the Common Core State Standards to students in grades K-3 beginning in the 2012-2013 school year, and to students in grades 4-12 in 2013-2014.

5. Make our students globally competitive, by teaching educational standards that are used throughout the world Give our students the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in college or careers To improve equity and to make sure all students have consistent expectations for achievement regardless of economic or family background Clarify standards so that parents, teachers and students understand what is expected of them Increase collaboration across districts and with other states to share resources and expertise in teaching the Common Core State Standards

6. New Mexico is a member in the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC), a consortium of states working together to develop new assessments for students in grades 3-11 that are aligned with the Common Core State Standards New Mexico students will take the same proficiency and accountability exams on the Common Core State Standards as students in 23 other states These next generation assessments will be taken on-line By 2015, all students will be taking these new forms of tests, which require them to show that they have the ability to read, write, speak, solve problems, and use technology. The standards will be assessed this year in third grade on the NMSBA and on NM district benchmark assessments. SBPR (report cards) will be aligned to the new standards.

7. Special Education teachers primarily work from an IEP because students’ needs drive instruction. This may or may not align with a grade level standard.

8. Common Core State Standards cover only English Language Arts (ELA) and Math. In English Language Arts, the focus is on informational text Check grade level brochures for specific standards

9. Parents' Guides to Student Success Parents are invaluable members of the team. Find out what you can do to help your child succeed. These resources are available through the Seven Bar Website Parents' FAQ’s