The Common Core
State Standards and Parents and Guardians
The
Common Core State Standards (CCSS) provide a practical way to prepare children
for the challenges of a constantly changing world – by learning step-by-step
the real-world skills they need for career and college.
Despite
the state’s budget problems, California
must move forward now so that all children – no matter where they come from or
where they live – receive a world-class education that’s consistent from school
to school, and graduate ready to contribute to the future of our state and our
country.
California is putting these standards to
work, using them as the foundation for remodeling our education system. The
standards keep the best of what we have, but replace outdated ways of learning with
a clear focus on the key knowledge and skills students need, and provide
teachers the time to teach them well.
Like
an orchestra learning a challenging new symphony, bringing these standards to
life in our schools will take time and energy, and the costs must be managed
over time. These standards provide every part of our education system the same
sheet music – with the clear goals of career and college readiness for all. And
we all have a part to play.
Preparing
Students for Career and College
Goal – all students graduating from
our public school system as life- long learners will have the skills and
knowledge necessary to assume their positions in the 21st century global
economy.
§ The new
standards are designed to be relevant in the real world, reflecting the
knowledge and skills students need for success in both higher education and
career.
§ Our
communities will be stronger if students graduate with the skills and knowledge
needed in today’s job market.
Will There Be
New Tests for the New Standards?
Yes, California is a
governing member of the SMARTER Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC). The
consortium is developing new tests that will measure student progress toward
career and college readiness. You may learn more about the new tests and California’s
participation in the SBAC at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/sa/smarterbalanced.asp.
California’s CCSS Implementation Plan
The
Common Core State Standards Systems
Implementation Plan for California is a living document approved by the
State Board of Education in March 2012. The plan, available at http://www.cde.ca.gov/re/cc/, identifies
the major phases and activities involved in implementing the CCSS and serves as
the blueprint for remodeling the education system to support student success in
career and college.
Transitioning to
the CCSS: What Parents and Guardians Can Do Now
Parents
and guardians are crucial partners in laying the groundwork for a smooth
transition to the new standards. Parents and guardians can:
§ Learn about
the CCSS and the district’s transition plan.
§ Talk to the
principal about the school’s plans for the transition to learn what will be
different about these new standards and what will remain the same for children.
§ Attend a
board and/or community meeting to discuss district goals and timelines.
§ Meet with
your child’s teacher to discuss what your child will be learning over the
coming year and how classroom instruction will shift to align to the CCSS.
§ Play an
active role in your child’s education at home. If you notice your child is
struggling in a certain area, consult with his or her teacher to identify
strategies and resources that might be helpful.
§ Educate other
parents about the transition to the CCSS.
§ Explore
opportunities to become actively involved in the Common Core transition through
your state and local Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) or Parent Teacher
Organization (PTO).
Resources for
Parents and Guardians
The
following Web resources provide the most current information from the
California Department of Education (CDE) Web Site and are continuously updated.
The first reference is the main CDE CCSS Web Page which includes the Common Core State Standards Systems
Implementation Plan for California, the Significant Milestones Timeline,
and a “Learn More” section that provides additional links to audience specific
information.
SMARTER Balanced Assessment
Consortium Information:
K-8 California's Common Core Standards Parent
Handbook:
http://www.ccsesa.org/sysadmin/documents/CCSParentHandbook_020411.doc
This handbook, created by the California County Superintendents Educational
Services Association (CCSESA) in consultation with the California State PTA,
gives parents an introduction to California's
CCSS and a summary of what students are expected to learn as they advance from
kindergarten through grade eight.
adapted from California Department of Education, 11/12