K-12 Common Core State Standards Released

The National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) have released a set of state-led education standards, the Common Core State Standards. The English/language arts and mathematics standards for grades K-12 were developed in collaboration with a variety of stakeholders including content experts, states, teachers, school administrators, and parents. The standards establish clear and consistent goals for learning that will prepare America’s children for success in college and work.

From February 16 – March 5, the NH Department of Education (DOE) held fourteen, two-hour feedback sessions in Manchester, Concord, Keene, Claremont, Exeter, and Gorham. Over 200 teachers and curriculum leaders from more than half of our NH districts commented on the clarity and appropriateness of the standards in mathematics and English/language arts.

The release of the standards marks the conclusion of the development of the Common Core State Standards and signals the start of the adoption and implementation process by states. The year-long development process was led by governors and chief state school officers in 48 states, 2 territories and the District of Columbia. The final standards were informed by nearly 10,000 public comments and by standards in other top performing countries so that all students are prepared to succeed in our global economy.

These standards define the knowledge and skills students should have within their K-12 education careers so that they will graduate high school fully prepared for college and careers. The standards are:

• Aligned with college and work expectations;
• Clear, understandable and consistent;
• Include rigorous content and application of knowledge through high-order skills;
• Build upon strengths and lessons of current state standards;
• Informed by other top performing countries, so that all students are prepared to succeed in our global economy and society; and
• Evidence- and research-based.
  

Common standards will help ensure that students are receiving a high quality education consistently, from school to school and state to state. NH Commissioner of Education, Virginia M. Barry, Ph.D., notes “Teachers and specialist have informed us that the Common Core State Standards appear to align closely with our current New England Common Assessment (NECAP) standards. The NH State Board of Education is looking forward to hearing from our citizens regarding this important new initiative for our State.”

The State Board of Education will hold two public hearings in order to receive direct feedback. At the June Board Meeting, June 9th, they will hear comments on the English/language arts standards, and at the July meeting, on July 8th, they will be reviewing the mathematics standards. Besides these two opportunities in person, the Department is seeking written feedback that will be passed on to the State Board for their consideration.

The feedback form and more information can be found on the DOE Web site at www.education.nh.gov/spotlight/k12_ccss.htm.