Common Core is Common Sense for Missouri

The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) movement is a state-led initiative designed to provide clarity and consistency in what is expected of K-12 student learning across the country. The standards cover content in English Language Arts and mathematics and are designed to ensure that students leave school with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in college and careers. After ensuring that the grade-level requirements outlined by the CCSS aligned to Missouri’s Show-Me Standards, the Missouri State Board of Education chose to formally adopt the standards in 2010. The Standards are a critical step in helping Missouri reach the top 10 performing states by year 2020.

Each standard includes four features: it is research and evidence-based; it is aligned with college and work expectations; it is rigorous; and it is internationally benchmarked.

How were the Common Core State Standards developed?
In short, the standards were written by practitioners and content experts in many states, including Missouri, under the leadership of the Council of Chief State School Officers and the National Governors Association. The National Education Association (NEA), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), and National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), were instrumental in bringing together teachers and administrators to provide specific, constructive feedback on the standards.  The Standards were not commissioned by the federal government, nor were they written by federal employees.

Who else is supporting the Common Core State Standards?
Over 40 states, including Missouri, have adopted them. Because the Standards are informed by other top-performing countries, over 70 businesses and corporations have voiced their support, recognizing that they are critical in ensuring that all students are prepared to succeed in our global economy and society. Business leaders supporting CCSS include Boeing, Accenture, BP America, Intel, and 3M.

Myths vs. Facts

• It is a myth that the standards tell teachers what to teach. The standards recognize that the best understanding of what works in the classroom comes from the teachers who are in them. This is why the standards only establish what students need to learn, and do not dictate how teachers should teach. Schools and teachers are able to decide how to best help students reach the standards. Missouri districts will continue to choose or design their own challenging curriculum and determine the best methods for implementation.

• It is a myth that the standards amount to a national curriculum for our schools. The standards are not a curriculum—they are a clear set of shared goals and expectations for what knowledge and skills will help our students succeed. Deciding how the standards are to be met will be a local decision, and teachers will continue to devise lesson plans and tailor instructions to the needs of their students.

Resources to learn more about the Common Core State Standards:

General Resources

• Common Core State Standards Initiative: The Standards.
• Common Core State Standards Initiative: Frequently Asked Questions
  
• Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education: Missouri Core Academic Standards

Resources for Educators

• Student Achievement Partners: Achievethecore.org

Resources for Parents

• Education.com: A Parent’s Guide to the Common Core Standards
• Council of the Great City Schools: Parent Roadmaps to the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Mathematics
• National PTA: Parents’ Guide to Student Success