Following are the most frequently asked questions about the Common Core State Standards. More extensive questions and answers are available on the Missouri Learning Standards and Common Core State Standards websites linked below.
What are the Common Core State Standards?
The Missouri Learning Standards include the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), which are a set of academic expectations in English language arts and mathematics. The CCSS define both the knowledge and skills all students should master by the end of each grade level to be on track for success in college and a career. They were created through a state-led initiative and have been adopted by more than 45 states, including Missouri.
The Missouri State Board of Education adopted the CCSS in 2010. Most schools, including the Ladue School District, have already begun transitioning to the standards, which are set to be fully implemented in Missouri during the 2014-15 school year.
When will the Common Core State Standards be fully implemented?
The Common Core State Standards are set to be fully implemented by the 2014-15 school year. Missouri school districts will have had five years to revise curriculum and train educators by the time the standards are fully implemented.
How will we know if students are meeting the Common Core State Standards?
Testing for the Common Core State Standards will be done through the Missouri Assessment Program (MAP). Implementation of the Common Core State Standards does not mandate additional testing.
What are the benefits of the Common Core State Standards?
With consistent standards, states have the option to pool their collective expertise and resources in order to reduce costs for each individual state and bring the most well-informed, creative thinking to various efforts around the standards.
What grade levels are included in the Common Core State Standards?
The Common Core State Standards are for grades K-12. Research from the early childhood and higher education communities also were considered in the development of the standards.
Do the Common Core State Standards include standards for science, social studies or other subjects?
No. The Common Core State Standards are for English language arts and mathematics only. However, the Missouri Learning Standards extend more broadly to science, social studies, fine arts, health, physical education, guidance and counseling, as well as career and technical education.
Why do the Common Core State Standards emphasize non-fiction? What are the new nonfiction requirements?
Twenty-first century readers need opportunities to explore, analyze and closely read a range of texts that represent all modes and a variety of genres. The Common Core State Standards call for 50 percent of all reading throughout the school day, including reading in science, social studies, and other classes at the elementary school level, to be nonfiction. Currently, students in elementary school read 20 to 30 percent nonfiction. The CCSS emphasize building knowledge through content-rich nonfiction and informational texts in addition to literature.
How were the Common Core State Standards created?
Governors and state-level school leaders convened a diverse team of teachers, parents, administrators, researchers and experts in the education community to design the Common Core State Standards in order to ensure they reflect the best current thinking in education, the realities of the classroom, and aspirations for our children.
Who is in charge of implementing the Common Core State Standards?
The Common Core State Standards are being implemented by each state individually through the collaboration of various groups including state education agencies, local education authorities, institutes of higher education, state educator associations and individual school leaders. The standards do not tell principals how to run their schools, and they do not tell teachers how to teach, nor do they mandate or include any accompanying assessments, curriculum or instructional materials. While states are voluntarily coming together on certain implementation-related efforts, each state is independently and solely responsible for putting the standards into practice.
Who will develop the assessment tests for the Common Core State Standards?
The Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium–a group of 25 states, including Missouri–is developing the assessments for the Common Core State Standards.
Has the adoption of the Common Core State Standards changed the data reporting requirements for school districts in Missouri?
No. The adoption of the Common Core State Standards has not increased the data reporting requirements for school districts. Missouri school districts have been collecting and reporting data to the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education since 1989. These data are used for education accreditation and accountability purposes and related federal program purposes.
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