Dear parent,

I know that you may have heard many mixed reviews about the
Common Core State Standards (CCSS). I hope I am able to explain and
possibly elevate any anxiety you may feel towards the curriculum.
First, I would like to clear the air of any misconceptions that you may
have. The Common Core standards were adopted by the states. This is
not a federally mandated curriculum. The goal of the CCSS is to unite
the learning expectation across the states so all students are college
ready.
The Common Core standards build through out the grades. They
help foster high standards in all grades. Students with disabilities are
expected to meet the same high standards through the use of
accommodations and modifications. The standards focus on developing
a deeper understanding instead of a superficial knowledge of the
operations and expectations. The Common Core places a strong focus
on learning different ways. This can be challenging to accept because
what your kids will ne taught will be different from how you may have
learned it in school. Through this process students will discover new
ways to decompose and make sense of the problems they encounter.
As a parent I understand that it can be scary to see the
curriculum change from the traditional way of teaching. However
scary it may be I invite you to see all of the positives this will bring to
your student. Your son or daughter will be encouraged to have a
deeper understanding of what they are learning. They will be invited to
analyze and explore. We are teaching students self-efficacy. Every
student is capable of meeting the same high standards. The CCSS
empower students to learn.
Sincerely,
A teacher