About the Common Core State Standards
The Common Core State Standards Initiative 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 were developed in collaboration with teachers, school administrators, and experts, to provide a clear and consistent framework to prepare our children for college and the workforce.
The NGA Center and CCSSO received initial feedback on the draft standards from national organizations representing, but not limited to, teachers, postsecondary educators (including community colleges), civil rights groups, English language learners, and students with disabilities. Following the initial round of feedback, the draft standards were opened for public comment, receiving nearly 10,000 responses.
The standards are informed by the highest, most effective models from states across the country and countries around the world, and provide teachers and parents with a common understanding of what students are expected to learn. Consistent standards will provide appropriate benchmarks for all students, regardless of where they live.
These standards define the knowledge and skills students should have within their K-12 education careers so that they will graduate high school able to succeed in entry-level, credit-bearing academic college courses and in workforce training programs. The standards:
Tina Cheuk at Stanford University's "Understanding Language" department created a Venn Diagram showing the relationships and convergences found in the CCLS for Math, ELA/Literacy and Science.
Important Resources:
NY State Common Core Learning Standards
Check out New York State's official Common Core Learning Standards in English and math. These are the standards you should use when thinking about curriculum development:
The NGA Center and CCSSO received initial feedback on the draft standards from national organizations representing, but not limited to, teachers, postsecondary educators (including community colleges), civil rights groups, English language learners, and students with disabilities. Following the initial round of feedback, the draft standards were opened for public comment, receiving nearly 10,000 responses.
The standards are informed by the highest, most effective models from states across the country and countries around the world, and provide teachers and parents with a common understanding of what students are expected to learn. Consistent standards will provide appropriate benchmarks for all students, regardless of where they live.
These standards define the knowledge and skills students should have within their K-12 education careers so that they will graduate high school able to succeed in entry-level, credit-bearing academic college courses and in workforce training programs. The standards:
- Are aligned with college and work expectations;
- Are clear, understandable and consistent;
- Include rigorous content and application of knowledge through high-order skills;
- Build upon strengths and lessons of current state standards;
- Are informed by other top performing countries, so that all students are prepared to succeed in our global economy and society; and
- Are evidence-based.
Tina Cheuk at Stanford University's "Understanding Language" department created a Venn Diagram showing the relationships and convergences found in the CCLS for Math, ELA/Literacy and Science.
- CCLS Math ELA Science Venn Diagram by Tina Cheuk
Important Resources:
NY State Common Core Learning Standards
Check out New York State's official Common Core Learning Standards in English and math. These are the standards you should use when thinking about curriculum development:
| nysp12cclsela.pdf |
| appendix_a.pdf |
| appendix_b.pdf |
| appendix_c.pdf |
| nysp12cclsmath.pdf |
| ccssi_mathematics_appendix_a.pdf |
| nyslsprek.pdf |
PARCC Model Content Frameworks
In the summer of 2011, PARCC released English and math Model Content Frameworks. Theses model content frameworks serve several purposes: They help identify the big ideas in the Common Core State Standards for each grade level; help determine the focus for the various PARCC assessment components; and will support the development of the PARCC assessment blueprint. The public has until August 31st to submit feedback on these frameworks.
| parcc_draft_modelcontentframeworksforela-literacy_0.pdf |
| parcc_draft_modelcontentframeworksformathematics_0.pdf |
The National Academies Science Framework
A draft science framework has been released! "A Framework for K-12 Science Education: Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Core Ideas" identifies the key scientific practices, concepts and ideas that all students should learn by the time they complete high school. It is intended as a guide for those who develop science education standards, those who design curricula and assessments, and others who work in K-12 science education. You can find out more about the Common Core science framework here or download the entire framework in PDF below.
| science_framework.pdf |
Partnership for 21st Century Skills
P21 has developed a new comprehensive resource to help schools implement the Common Core State Standards and support ongoing 21st century skills initiatives.
| p21_toolkit_final.pdf |
Further Resources:
Visit the official Common Core State Standards website!
The Department of Education has created their own website, full of resources, dedicated to the Common Core implementation.
Check out an independent CCSS blog
Visit the PARCC assessment website
Check out some Common Core English maps, written by teachers
FAQs about CCSS
CCSS Resources
CCSS Professional Development
Please contact for more information regarding the Common Core, CCSS workshops, and upcoming curriculum alignment projects.
