Common Core Standards
The final version of the Common Core State Standards has been released. The standards outline the skills and knowledge that every student should share in math and english.
The Common Core State Standards Initiative (CCSSI) is a state-led effort coordinated by the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO).
The standards, developed in collaboration with teachers, school administrators, and education experts, establish clear and consistent goals for learning that will prepare our children for college and the workforce. The NGA Center and CCSSO have received feedback on the drafts from national organizations representing, but not limited to, teachers, postsecondary educators (including community colleges), civil rights groups, English language learners, and students with disabilities.
These standards define the knowledge and skills students should have within their K-12 education careers so that they will graduate from high school able to succeed in entry-level, credit-bearing academic college courses and in workforce training programs. States will be asked to adopt the Common Core State Standards in their entirety and include the core in at least 85% of the state's standards in English Language Arts and Mathematics.
The AFT believes that strong academic standards are essential if we are to dramatically improve student achievement and to gain public confidence in our education system. (read more)
The NEA joined the partnership developing the standards to insure that the concerns and voices of teachers were considered. And that happened. The project staff met with groups of Mathematics and English Language Arts teachers who were NEA members and National Board Certified. They listened carefully to NEA members and incorporated many of their suggestions into the standards. (read more) (Download Q and A)
In Florida, revised Sunshine State Standards for Reading and Language Arts were adopted in February 2007 by the State Board of Education. The Sunshine State Standards are currently under revision by the State Board of Education to review and adopt Next Generation Sunshine State Standards that prepare Florida’s students to effectively engage, communicate, and compete globally with students around the world. Click here for the FLDOE Curriculum site
Keep up with the process here.
According to the Florida PTA:
Florida's current "Next Generation Standards" for education are considered among the highest in the nation and will provide the foundation for a near-seamless transition to Common Core State Standards. Adoption and Implementation in Florida will create:
* Funding Opportunities: There are several federal funding sources that can be accessed for implementation of these standards. Adoption of the Common Core State Standards will allow Florida to apply for these funds.
* Cost Sharing Opportunities: Florida will be able to share the cost of required, periodic updates in its K-12 curriculum, assessment development, and professional development with other states who have adopted the standards saving Florida money that can be used for other priorities in education.
NEA, AFT, FEA and the Florida PTA support the Common Core State Standards. Florida has been working as a pilot state under a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
