What are 'Common Core' Standards?

An interesting conversation came up last night at the PTA Council Executive Board Meeting.  Many of us have heard rumor of a new set of standards and accompanying tests for California students.  In brief, Common Core Standards are defined as:

" The Common Core State Standards define the rigorous skills and knowledge in English Language Arts and Mathematics that need to be effectively taught and learned for students to be ready to succeed academically in credit-bearing, college-entry courses and in workforce training programs. These standards have been developed to be:

• Fewer, clearer, and higher, to best drive effective policy and practice;
• Aligned with college and work expectations, so that all students are prepared for success upon graduating from high school;
• Inclusive of rigorous content and applications of knowledge through higher-order skills, so that all students are prepared for the 21st century;
• Internationally benchmarked, so that all students are prepared for succeeding in our global economy and society; and Research and evidence-based.

The standards intend to set forward thinking goals for student performance based in evidence about what is required for success. The standards developed will set the stage for US education not just beyond next year, but for the next decade, and they must ensure all American students are prepared for the global economic workplace."

These Standards were adopted by the State of California in August of 2010. Official 'testing' is due to begin in the 2014-15 school year according to the California Department of Education Website.

California Dept. of Ed FAQ for Common Core Standards

Other interesting articles:

Tough new 'Common Core' Tests Designed to Better Prepare Students

http://www.edinformatics.com/curriculum/common_core_standards.htm