What is Common Core State Standards and what does this mean for our schools? Common Core State Standards are standards that have been set across our nation to instruct students. Previously we utilized Georgia Performance Standards (GPS) which were specific to our state only. Common Core unifies all school systems not just in Georgia, but across the nation.
Common Core State Standards provides understanding of what students are expected to learn, so teachers and parents have a roadmap for what they need to do to assist them. It is a great opportunity to have this common framework from which to share best practices across the nation which will help ensure our students are ready to learn and compete. With students, parents, and teachers working together for shared goals, we can ensure that students make progress each year and graduate from school prepared to succeed and build a strong future for themselves and the country.
These standards define the knowledge and skills students should have within their K-12 education careers so that they will graduate high school fully prepared for college and careers. The standards are:
* Aligned with college and work expectations;
* Clear, understandable and consistent;
* Include rigorous content and application of knowledge through high-order skills;
* Build upon strengths and lessons of current state standards;
* Informed by other top performing countries, so that all students are prepared to succeed in our global economy and society; and
* Evidence- and research-based.
Listed below are comments that were noted from Intel and the Association for Career and Technical Education:
“Common education standards are essential for producing the educated work force America needs to remain globally competitive. This voluntary state-lead effort will help ensure that all students can receive the college- and career-ready, world-class education they deserve, no matter where they live. I applaud the states’ efforts that got us here today and the work of NGA, CCSSO and Achieve in supporting this important achievement.”
- Craig Barrett, Former CEO and Chairman of the Board, Intel Corporation
“The K-12 standards work recognizes that students in the United States are now competing in an international environment and will need to meet international benchmarks to remain relevant in today’s workplace. We are pleased that both college and career readiness have been considered as the standards were developed and view this work as foundational in the effort to address the full range of academic, employability and technical skills that students need to be successful. ACTE looks forward to working with NGA, CCSSO and states as the K-12 standards are implemented.”
- Janet B. Bray, CAE, Executive Director, Association for Career and Technical Ed.