What Parents Should Know About the Common Core
What it is:
The Common Core is a set of learning standards that 47 out of 50 states in the U.S. have agreed to teach students in grades K-12. It is the first time in American history that the majority of the country's students will be expected to know the same thing at the same time.
Video:
Watch this three-minute video that explains the Common Core State Standards.
The Common Core is a set of learning standards that 47 out of 50 states in the U.S. have agreed to teach students in grades K-12. It is the first time in American history that the majority of the country's students will be expected to know the same thing at the same time.
Video:
Watch this three-minute video that explains the Common Core State Standards.
Why:
The ideas driving the standards center around making sure that U.S. students are prepared for college and careers upon 12th grade graduation. In order for this to happen, creators listed the things necessary for success in a 21st century college or career and created a time line that worked backwards from 12th grade to Kindergarten that outlined what students needed to know and when.
What it Means for Parents and Families:
How Parents can Help Children with Common Core:
Click below for a link to the National PTA's parent guides for the Common Core.
The ideas driving the standards center around making sure that U.S. students are prepared for college and careers upon 12th grade graduation. In order for this to happen, creators listed the things necessary for success in a 21st century college or career and created a time line that worked backwards from 12th grade to Kindergarten that outlined what students needed to know and when.
What it Means for Parents and Families:
- Rigor. The standards push academic rigor so this will call for families to increase learning support for their children.
- Consistency. Since most U.S. students will be learning the same things at the same time, students have a much smaller chance of missing important learning after transferring schools locally or across state lines.
How Parents can Help Children with Common Core:
- Review the standards. Familiarize yourself with the things your child is expected to know at each grade level.
- Communicate. Keep the lines of communication open between your child, teachers, and other supportive professionals and family members.
- Integrate Learning in Lifestyle Activities. Use car rides, grocery store lines, and other random down times as opportunities to engage your child in thought provoking conversation. At the very least, allow them to use your smart phone to access educational websites or apps.
- Set Up Home Learning Routines. Help children succeed by setting up routines where they do homework at the same time and place each day. Ensure that they have a quiet space to study, away from chore requests, spirited siblings, loud tv's or music, or talking.
Click below for a link to the National PTA's parent guides for the Common Core.
Click below to view and download the Parent Guide to New Assessment in Illinois created by the National PTA association.