Common Core State Standards

August 2012

What are Common Core State Standards (CCSS)? The Common Core State Standards are a set of educational standards that states can voluntarily adopt. The standards are designed to ensure that students are prepared for college and the workforce and are receiving a high quality education consistently, from school to school and state to state. Forty-five states, including Kansas, have adopted the Common Core State Standards. How were the standards developed? The standards were developed in collaboration with teachers, school administrators, business leaders, researchers and many other experts. The standards reflect the highest, most effective models from states across the country and countries around the world. Common standards provide teachers and parents with a common understanding of what students are expected to learn. Why were the CCSS developed? The standards were developed to provide consistent expectations and clarify essential skills for educators, parents and students. Additionally, these standards are focused on preparing students for college and career readiness and our global society. Why is this good for Blue Valley students? Blue Valley is embracing the Common Core Standards movement and is confident these new standards will be beneficial in preparing students for future success. The standards will provide consistency in what is expected of student learning both in Blue Valley and across the country. These standards introduce new rigor that will help prepare Blue Valley students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in college, career and our global society. Common standards will provide a greater opportunity for states to share best practices that will improve Blue Valleys ability to best meet the needs of students. What is the timeline for implementation of the CCSS? Kansas adopted the Common Core State Standards in October 2010. Blue Valley administrators and teachers have been diligently preparing for implementation of the CCSS. The standards will be introduced over the next several years, with full implementation by the 2014-15 school year. Where can parents learn more about the CCSS? Blue Valley will provide more information about the CCSS throughout the implementation process. Information is also available at www.pta.org or www.commoncorestandards.org.

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