What are Common Core State Standards?

The Common Core State Standards refer to the set of standards in Mathematics, English language and the Arts to be adopted by different states to make learning uniform for all states. The setting of educational standards will aid the teachers in ensuring that their students are well equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in college and as part of the workforce. It focuses on core conceptual understanding beginning the early grades so the students can master them. Common standards will help make sure that a high quality of education is being given to the students regardless of the school and state. It will also be a venue for the exchange of practices among states that will best cater to the needs of the students. The standards are not created to tell the teachers how or what to teach their students. Teachers are given the free hand to develop lessons for as long as the standards are met. School principals and superintendents will still decide on how to operate the school, their curriculum and other school related issues. The standards will only serve as a means to assist teachers in providing an educational environment that will fully enhance a student's potential. Standards are determined by each state. The process for developing, adopting and implementing standards vary from state to state. Adoption of such standards is voluntary.

What are Common Core State Standards? Who's Behind It?

The Common Core State Standards is spearheaded by the Common Core State Standards Initiative. It is a state-led effort in establishing a set of educational standards. It is a collaboration of parents, teachers, school administrators, educational experts and state leaders whose primary concern is to provide quality education for students and to furnish them with tools necessary to succeed. The standards will also result to students who are globally competitive and whose knowledge is at par with other students across the world. It is important because it is the first steps in ensuring students are getting the best possible education regardless of where they live. Also, participating states can work together to establish methods in order to meet such standards such as the development of textbooks and other teaching materials, assessment systems to gauge student performance and to evaluate policy changes. The Common Core State Standards are realistic and are intended to be implemented in the classroom. Such standards are first applied in Mathematics and the English language arts since these subjects are commonly used for purposes of accountability and are skills where students build skill sets for other subject areas. Upon the development of the English language arts and mathematics standards, common core standards in other subjects will follow.

The kind of students being produced by schools is highly indicative of a nation's state of education. It will also measure the state's economic success as these students will eventually be part of the workforce. The Common Core State Standards is a significant development in the education system. Students are guaranteed of a quality education wherever they may be. They are given tools to ensure that they will be prepared for college and can compete with other students from other states or countries. Global competence is a must. It also challenges teachers to be proficient and competent in their teaching skills so as to meet the standards. Education need not be dormant. It must be dynamic and ready to adapt to the changing times. The Common Core State Standards is a perfect example of such dynamism. To nurture and mold students to be the best they can be and to pave the way for bright future not only for the students but also of the state to which they belong.