The California Common Core Standards

What do they mean for your child?

(from Clovis Unified School District)

HOW DO THESE STANDARDS AFFECT MY CHILD?

 Educational standards help define what schools will teach students in a given grade and subject area. They act as a road map for educators to ensure that what students learn is consistent across schools and school districts. 

If content standards are the “what” students will learn, individual school districts, schools and teachers determine “how” this information is delivered to students. Great teachers are, and have always been, at the heart of great education. New standards don’t change that fact, but they will be used by educators in Fortuna Elementary School District to improve the way we help every child achieve success.

HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA’S CONTENT STANDARDS 

California implemented statewide educational standards in the late 1990s, and has annually assessed students on how well they have learned these standards since 2001. Most recently, in 2010, California adopted a new set of standards that, in part, include Common Core State Standards in English language arts and math. History/social science, science, health, art, visual and performing arts, world language and physical education standards continue to be those developed specifically by California.

WHAT ARE THE “COMMON CORE STATE STANDARDS”?

 

Common Core State Standards (CCSS) is a term used to refer to a set of common educational standards in English language arts and math that have been adopted by almost all of the states in the nation. Having the same standards helps to ensure all students receive a quality education, even if they change schools or move to a different state.

 The effort to create a set of common standards was led by educators and state leaders across the nation who wanted to promote consistency among the nation’s public schools. Teachers, parents, school administrators, state departments of education, assessment developers, scholars, students, community members and experts provided input into the development of the CCSS.

The standards were written using the best and highest state standards already in existence throughout the country. They are based on research around effective instruction, internationally benchmarked, and aligned with college and work expectations. To learn more about the CCSS, visit www.cusd.com/standards.

WHAT DO NEW STANDARDS MEAN FOR FORTUNA ESD AND FOR MY CHILD?

We have always aligned the written, taught and tested curriculum. This means that we use the standards as a basis for what students are supposed to know and be able to do. 

The new standards place more emphasis on real-world application and understanding of materials, and less emphasis on basic memorization and test-taking skills. Students will better learn how to analyze and understand why an answer is correct in order to be able to explain why they have reached a particular solution to a problem. These are skills that are critical to success in college or a career. 

A behind-the-wheel driver’s test requires an individual to demonstrate that he or she has moved beyond simply memorizing the rules of the road to being able to apply knowledge to a real-life experience. In the same way, the new standards will require students to demonstrate that they can independently apply multiple knowledge areas to solve complex problems. 

HOW WILL MY CHILD BE ASSESSED ON THE NEW STANDARDS?

Student assessments are not new and for many states, including California, taking assessment tests online will become standard. California assessments are being developed by the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC). Schools in Fortuna Elementary School District are already preparing to transition to a computerized testing model, and parents interested in seeing what such assessments will look like can visit: 

The Smarter Balanced Sample Items

WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP MY CHILD SUCCEED?

New standards haven’t changed the critical role that informed and involved parents have to a student’s success. In addition to encouraging your student to think in terms of “why” a particular answer or solution is correct, parents are encouraged to stay in close communication with their child’s classroom teachers about a child’s school work and progress. By staying informed about your child’s school experience, you can offer help where needed and encourage academic success.