Learning Goals and Standards

1. Learning Goals and Standards Common Core for Parents

2. What is Common Core? Asingle set of educational standards for English-language arts and mathematics adopted by 45 states. The standards are designed to ensure that students graduating from high school are prepared to go to college or enter the workforce and that parents, teachers, and students have a clear understanding of what is expected of them.

3. Why is CCSS important?(Common Core State Standards) • Currently, every state has its own set of academic standards, meaning public education students in each state are learning different things • CCSS are the adopted teaching standards for Oklahoma beginning in the school year 2014-2015 • Everything that your child should and will learn in school is based on CCSS • Knowing what is expected of your child allows you the ability to help prepare them for success

4. Who decided the standards? • CCSS was created by: the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) • “American competitiveness relies on an education system that can adequately prepare our youth for college and the workforce,” commented Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue. “When American students have the skills and knowledge needed in today’s jobs, our communities will be positioned to compete successfully in the global economy.”

5. How does CCSS affect me? • CCSS terminology, ideas, wording, and standards are soon to be listed on school information, report cards, and websites • Becoming familiar with the standards and wording will allow you to participate fully and know what your child is learning when and why

6. When does this affect my child? • The CCSS goes into effect in all grades at the beginning of the 2014-2015 school year • Children in early childhood grades (birth-2nd grade) are immediately effected • Children in Kindergarten or younger will be taught only common core standards

7. What should I do to help my child? • You can help your child by understanding what is expected of them at school and knowing what learning goals are outlined for them at school • You can help your child by understanding what the teachers are talking about, when they refer to the standards, and by building a relationship with your child’s teacher

8. What does CCSS look like for my young child? • Learning for young children is intrinsic. Young children seek out learning opportunities naturally. Young children are curious, excited, and learn best by doing. • Everyday Read to your child, Talk to your child, Sing to your child, Play with your child, and Hold your child. These 5 things will prepare your child for school success.

9. What does CCSS look like? • Your child drawing letters on the sidewalk • Your child sorting candy or tupperware • Your child helping you cook or bake • Your child dressing themselves • Your child talking about the road signs and symbols they recognize

10. Additional help at home • You play an important role by setting high expectations and supporting your child to achieve those high expectations • Work with your child’s teacher to identify opportunities for your child to expand their knowledge • Get involved with your child’s school through PTA, after school clubs, or other community programs

12. Next Steps • Ask your child’s teacher what you can do at home to prepare your child to meet the common core standards • Ask your child’s principal what you can do to help in the school and classroom • Inform other parents about the CCSS and encourage them to talk to their child’s teacher

13. Places to learn more • www.mid-del.net • www.pta.org • www.educationnorthwest.org/resource/1547 • www.education.com/.../parents-guide-to-common-core-standards • http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/common-core-standards/id439424555?mt=8