Common Core has become the norm for the educational standards in 43 states across America. The premise is all students should be taught the same topics in English and math subjects. It was created to make American high school graduates more competitive on an international scale. Here are five things to understand about Common Core.
1. Curriculum and Standards are Different
Although Common Core consists of educational objectives and goals, it is up to the teachers to implement them. Curriculum varies by state. Each educator must make personal decisions about how to teach the standards. It is often difficult for new teachers to get comfortable interacting with students in ways that adhere to the Common Core structure. This is confusing for the students as well, especially when instruction may differ at the same grade level at the same school. Fortunately, there are teaching manuals available to help guide educators in the right direction.
2. Common Core Allows for a Deeper Understanding of Concepts
With Common Core, teachers can go in-depth when discussing certain concepts and place emphasis on student comprehension. In the past, many schools taught standards students were not ready to learn. For example, before Common Core, some young elementary school students were bombarded with algebra and advanced English topics. Without first mastering the basics, this caused great confusion. Common Core is meant to stress appropriate topics for the correct grade levels and allows for a thorough understanding of each subject.
3. Common Core Prepares Students for College
Common Core focuses on text complexity, vocabulary, and non-fiction literature. These topics are a crucial part of SAT exams. When students have an understanding of these areas, it is easier to pass the tests, prepare for independent study at college, and begin promising careers. For instance, when a person wants to become an electrician, it is essential for him or her to be able to read non-fiction manuals that include a wide range of vocabulary so that he or she can complete the job correctly.
4. Common Core Focuses on Application of Skills
In the past, students studying math were often encouraged to get the right answers and finish first. This led to an incomplete grasp on basic theories. The math standards in Common Core provide a solid foundation for concept comprehension. Instead of getting the correct answer, emphasis is placed on the methods used to find the solution. Over time, this offers a better understanding of the material.
5. Common Core Standards Extend Beyond School
Common Core standards have been broken down by grade level. They consist of goals to help students prepare for fulfilling careers. Each standard focuses on core procedures that begin in early grades so that teachers have adequate time to educate students. Students have enough time to master the ideas as well. Each standard has been researched and has been formed on the input of various sources, including long-time educators, departments of education, schools, and other related groups. Parents are advised to review these standards so that they can enrich their children’s education at home. When parents, students, and teachers are on the same page and work together to achieve clear goals, children are sure to make progress and have successful futures.
Common Core was introduced to help the youth of America get prepared to live independent lives and thrive during and after college. It includes set standards on every grade level to keep children across the country on the same path. Unfortunately, these standards do not reflect the varied needs and abilities of every student. However, they define clear milestones that should be reached so that children have the highest rates of success during college and career life.
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