Common Core Standards

Gena Orazi

Common Core Standards Position Blog

            Until recently every state has been operating with their own set of academic standards. This practice does not seem as though it would be a serious issue, but what happens when a student moves to a different state during his or her schooling? For example, a fourth grade student may be starting adding and subtracting fractions in math class, but when his family moves to a state where that is covered in 3^rd grade, that student is already behind. This is when different standards for different states could pose a problem.

            The Common Core Standards Initiative was developed to combat problems such as the one mentioned above. This initiative seeks to unite the entire country’s school systems under common standards for the subjects of English Language Arts and Math. This was led by the National Governor’s Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO). The process for writing the standards was influenced by already effective standards in place at the time, content experts, and feedback from the general public. Many experts in the field, including administrators and teachers collaborated to create these national standards. They include all of the skills that are necessary for students in kindergarten through 12^th grade to succeed in furthering their education or entering the workforce.

            As of today almost every state has adopted these standards and is changing their curriculums to align with the national standards. There are several key points in both English Language Arts and Math that are important to mention. In the subject of English Language Arts the types of literature that are covered are very diverse from classical to modern literature. The standards do not force a reading list on school districts, but offer sample texts as building blocks for teachers and professionals. The standards set certain content for states to follow, but still leave the “how and what to teach” to the schools and districts. In the area of writing in the Common Core Standards, all types of writing are a focus including narratives, opinion pieces, and explanatory essays. Research projects, both long and short term, are also emphasized in the standards.

            In math the standards for students in grades K-5 allow for the students to build strong foundations in number sense. The K-5 math standards give teachers clear guidance with all mathematical topics. They emphasize procedure and conceptual skills. The middle school standards build upon that and prepare the students for high school. Finally, the high school standards contain even more rigor in order to make students college or career-ready.

            While some educators are reluctant to support the new national standards, many are in favor of this change. One major positive I found when researching these standards was that they were extremely understandable and clear to both teachers and parents alike. They also include many of the highly effective lesson ideas from current standards in different states, and they promote higher order skills and academic rigor. They also borrow from top performing countries around the world to allow for students to be successful in the global economy. Finally, and most importantly, the Common Core Standards are evidence based.

            Although rewriting curriculum to change to these national standards is a huge undertaking and could be very labor intensive, it seems to me that it will be worth it. My school district is making the change this summer for both Language Arts and Math. As a teacher who has been using the NJCCCS for 7 years, the new standards will take some time to get acquainted with, but I think it will be a benefit to have common standards to unite every state under one set of guidelines.