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Hello Parents,
We have received questions about the Common Core State Standards and the William S. Hart District’s and Golden Valley High School’s adoption of these standards. Some of the questions are listed below that we have received. We hope the answers to these questions provide you a better understanding about the adoption and necessity of these standards.
You can scroll below to find the answer to the questions or simply click on the link.
• Who Supports the Adoption of Common Core State Standards?
• Why were the Common Core State Standards adopted?
• Do colleges and universities recognize and support the Common Core State Standards?
• Why is Golden Valley High School adopting the Common Core State Standards?
• There is some conflicting information in the news about Common Core State Standards and how teachers feel about the adoption. Can you clarify this for me?
• Do you have recommendations on literature or videos that can provide more information about the Common Core State Standards?
Who Supports the Adoption of Common Core State Standards?
Our school, the William S. Hart Union High School District, WASC accredited California schools, and the Unites States Department of Education are very excited and supportive of the adoption of the Common Core State Standards. Since 2010, 45 states have adopted the same Common Core standards in Math and English. The California Department of Education is helping schools make sure that all students meet these standards (CDE, 2010).
Why were the Common Core State Standards adopted?
In 2010, the Common Core State Standards were created to help American students deepen their critical thinking and college-readiness skills. The rationale for the development of these standards was a data-driven decision based upon international academic tests such as the Trends in International Math and Science Study and Progress in International Reading Literacy Study.
Do colleges and universities recognize and support the Common Core State Standards?
The University of California (UC) system supports and expects all high schools to adopt the Common Core State Standards. On the website for the UC, you will find a statement from Dr. Lawrence H. Pitts, executive vice president for academic affairs of the University of California system, on the California State Board of Education’s adoption of the Common Core Standards for K-12. He writes that
“the UC supports rigorous K-12 education that prepares students for multiple option, whether they decide to begin their careers upon graduation from high school or choose to pursue higher education. To that end, the university has long partnered with California's high schools in efforts to ensure that students benefit from an academically rich and challenging curriculum, one that prepares them for success at UC or in the work force.” (Pitts, 2010)
According to Pitts (2010), the Common Core State Standards will further their career readiness goals. The UC system supports and works collaboratively with K-12 partners to ensure their successful implementation of the standards.
Why is Golden Valley High School adopting the Common Core State Standards?
“The mission of Golden Valley High School is to provide all students with a comprehensive education that prepares them for post-secondary success in a global 21st century society.” Adoption of the Common Core State Standards will continue GV’s path of excellence. The adoption of the Common Core State Standards will critically support, strengthen and deepen the work that we already do here at Golden Valley.
There is some conflicting information in the news about Common Core State Standards and how teachers feel about the adoption. Can you clarify this for me?
The decision to adopt the standards is unquestionable for teachers. As educators, we are committed to doing what is best for all kids and this means, adapting our curriculum to meet the needs of our students, to help them become creative, problem-solvers, critical thinkers, team players, and solutions-oriented members of society. According to the California Teachers Association, most states view the move to adopt standards as a positive transition. NEA Vice President Lily Eskelson supports the initiative by stating,
“These standards have the potential to support teachers in achieving NEA’s purpose in preparing student to thrive in a democratic society and a diverse, changing world, as knowledgeable, creative and engage citizens and lifelong learners.” (CTA, 2013)
Although some people believe a “one size fits all” approach does not work, most states within United States of America disagree and have adopted the standards. They don’t prescribe intervention or curriculum nor tell teachers how to teach, they define what students should know and be able to do. It is a vehicle to help all kids reach high levels of academic student success.
Do you have recommendations on literature or videos that can provide more information about the Common Core State Standards?
The following three minute video summarizes the why of Common Core.
Council of Chief State School Officers- Common Core Implementation Video Series, Learn More About the Common Core State Standards
I highly recommend the following literature to help better inform your understanding of the history, movement and adoption of the standards by the most knowledgeable and prominent well-respected researchers and teachers within the field of education.
Here are some article links that discuss the Common Core State Standards and why they are essential for students:
Understanding the Common Core State Standards
California's Common Core Content Standards for ELA and Literacy
K-12 California's Common Core Standards for Mathematics
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the Common Core State Standards
College Readiness Standards by the College Board -What students should know and be able to do when they take college-readiness testst
Frequently Asked Questions about the Common Core
How Will Common Core Change What We Do?
America Achieves-Common Core Resources for Parents
The University of California and Common Core State Standards
California Teachers Association-Common Core and What You Need to Know
Wagner, Tony (2007). Global Achievement Gap -Understand the state of public schools today in comparison to international students
If you have any additional questions about the Common Core State Standards or Golden Valley’s adoption of these standards, please submit them here: [email protected]
