Core Standards: Common in their Development; Wholly Owned by States and Districts in their Implementation

December 15 --

Forty-six states have voluntarily adopted the common core state standards in English language arts and mathematics. The product of a state-led initiative, these consistent education standards provide a clear set of shared goals and expectations for learning in grades K–12, which aim to ensure that high school graduates possess the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in college and compete in a globally competitive workforce, regardless of their zip codes. These standards will also serve as the foundation for an education system that demands excellent teaching, high-quality professional development, rigorous curricula, and dynamic assessments.

States are already hard at work making the changes necessary to implement these new standards successfully and prepare for aligned assessments scheduled to come online during the 2014–15 school year. What are the benefits and challenges around these new, higher standards? How quickly can states expect to see a difference in student preparation for college and the workplace? At this early stage, what can be learned from states and districts on the front lines of implementation? And what questions should stakeholders and advocates ask their state and local leaders about the implementation work underway in their own communities?

On December 15, the Coalition for a College and Career Ready America (CCCRA) held a webinar to learn more about implementation of the common core state standards and for a timely update on developments in federal education policy that could impact the work being done at the state and local levels. Panelists also addressed questions submitted by webinar viewers from across the country.

Panelists

• Laura Bednar, Assistant Commissioner, Division of Learning Services, Arkansas Department of Education
• Phillip Lovell, Vice President of Federal Advocacy, Alliance for Excellent Education
• Elizabeth Schneider, Vice President of State Advocacy and Outreach,
• Alliance for Excellent Education
• Felicia Smith, Associate Commissioner, Office of Next-Generation Learners, Kentucky Department of Education