What Is the Common Core?

IT’S TIME TO BE HONEST WITH AMERICAN STUDENTS.

We live in a different world today -- globally connected, technologically driven, fast paced -- and yet as a country, we haven't changed what our kids are studying or how they think in over thirty years, while other countries around the world have modernized their approach to education. It's time to ensure our kids have the skills they need to compete and thrive after graduating.

Today's expectations are confusing and set the bar too low for students. In fact, only 51% of ACT-tested high school graduates in 2005 met the benchmark for reading. We expect our children to compete in a global economy with math and language arts standards developed in the 1970s… it’s time to face the facts and set higher expectations for our children. We know that with the right supports, they will rise to the occasion.

CORE STANDARDS SET REAL WORLD EXPECTATIONS ACROSS THE STATES

The Common Core State Standards were developed by leaders from the National Governors Association and the Council of Chief State School Officers. The new standards are designed to ensure real understanding. The materials are designed to go deeper into fewer topics, so kids master the material instead of memorizing. At the same time, the learning is more hands-on with a focus on what students will use in life.

The new standards level the playing field by creating a framework for educators to teach from across the nation.

The Standards