Common Core State Standards
Frequently Asked Questions

Questions
1)  What are the CCSS?
2)  Who is leading the initiative?
3)  Why does Missouri need common educational content standards?
4)  Why is it important for students, teachers and parents?
5)  Is the adoption of the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics going to limit student access to other subject areas, such as the arts or Career and Technical Education?
6)  Are the CCSS tied into high school graduation rates?
7)  If standards are raised, is it more likely that students will drop out of school?
8)  Will the Common Core State Standards limit flexibility to tailor instruction to individual students?
 
Answers
1)  Q What are the CCSS?
A
The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) are a set of shared K-12 learning expectations for students in English-language arts and mathematics. The standards are the result of a state-led effort coordinated by the National Governor’s Association (NGA) and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO). The CCSS for grades K-12 were developed in collaboration with a variety of stakeholders including content experts, state education leaders, teachers, school administrators, and parents. The Common Core State Standards provide a consistent, clear understanding of what students are expected to learn in K-12 math and English language arts. The standards are designed to be robust and relevant to the real world, reflecting the knowledge and skills that our young people need for success in college and careers. The CCSS supports the college and career ready expectations of Missouri’s graduation requirements.
2)  Q Who is leading the initiative?
A
The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) and the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) have initiated a state-led process of voluntarily developing and adopting a common core of state standards. Other partners include the National Association of State Boards of Education, the Alliance for Excellent Education, the American Association of School Administrators, The James B. Hunt, Jr. Institute, National PTA, the Business Roundtable, Achieve, ACT and the College Board, among others. PTA is a key partner in the initiative and has supported this initiative from the start as it aligns with PTA’s mission and vision to ensure equal educational opportunities for every child.
3)  Q Why does Missouri need common educational content standards?
A
Today, each state has its own process for developing, adopting, and implementing standards. As a result, what students are expected to learn can vary widely from state to state. We know that our graduates will compete for jobs with students from other states and countries with more rigorous standards. Common standards help ensure that all students, no matter where they live, are prepared for success in postsecondary education and the workforce. Common standards will help ensure that students are receiving a high quality education consistently, from school to school and state to state. Common standards will provide a greater opportunity to share experiences and best practices within and across states that will improve our ability to serve the needs of students.
4)  Q Why is it important for students, teachers and parents?
A

Education standards and level of rigor in instruction vary from state-to-state and often, there are so many and such complicated standards that teachers find them overwhelming to teach. In addition, parents find it difficult to support their child's learning of the standards at home. Students receive a variable quality of education across the country, which is especially problematic given high mobility and the need for rigorous academics to ensure US students remain globally competitive.

 

The CCSS intends to develop a set of fewer, clearer and higher common standards that are evidence and research-based and internationally benchmarked.  

  • Fewer, clearer standards paired with rigorous curriculum and professional development aligned to the standards will help teachers to know what to teach.
  • Common and more rigorous standards also help level the playing field by ensuring that every student - regardless of income or geography-has the opportunity to engage in equally challenging work that prepares them for college, career and citizenship.
  • Fewer, clearer, higher common standards also support making clear to parents what the expectations are for what their children should know.
  • In a growing global economy, ensuring that the standards are benchmarked internationally will ensure that the nation's students are able to compete, not only with their peers in neighboring states, but also around the world.
5)  Q Is the adoption of the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics going to limit student access to other subject areas, such as the arts or Career and Technical Education?
A
No. States are aware of the importance of other subjects to students’ college and career success and do not intend for the common core standards to narrow the curriculum. Rather, because there will be fewer, clearer standards under the common core, teachers will likely be able to create deep, multi-disciplinary projects and lessons that help their students reach the standards.
6)  Q Are the CCSS tied into high school graduation rates?
A
No. The goal of the CCSSI is to develop a set of voluntary, internationally-benchmarked standards in English language arts and mathematics. The standards are a first step to meaningful reform to ensure that all students are on a level playing field. The standards are not directly tied to graduation rates, but rather form the foundation for what students need to be able to know and be able to do once the graduate from high school.
7)  Q If standards are raised, is it more likely that students will drop out of school?
A
This is a common concern heard from parents and educators alike, however data does not support that when standards are raised that the dropout rate increases. In fact, data shows the opposite: that when more is expected of students they often rise to the challenge.
8)  Q Will the Common Core State Standards limit flexibility to tailor instruction to individual students?
A
No. The Common Core State Standards are a clear set of shared goals and expectations for what knowledge and skills will help our students succeed. Local teachers, principals, superintendents, and others will decide how the standards are to be met. Teachers will continue to devise lesson plans and tailor instruction to the individual needs of the students in their classrooms. Local teachers, principals, superintendents, and school boards will continue to make decisions about curriculum and how their school systems are operated. Standards help teachers figure out the knowledge and skills their students should have so that teachers can build the best lessons for their classrooms.