The Common Core State Standards in TennesseeThe Common Core State Standards in Tennessee An OverviewAn Overview

Why Common Core?  Because the Common Core State Standards emphasize… Real-world skills in math, reading, and writing (including math without calculators and a focus on basic reading skills in early grades) Critical thinking and problem-solving skills Knowledge and skills needed for success in college and careers 2

Why Common Core? 3  To strengthen Tennessee’s economic competitiveness 21% of adults in TN have a college degree 54% of new jobs will require post-secondary education 16% of high school seniors in TN are college ready TN ranks 46 th in 4 th grade math and 41 st in 4 th grade reading nationally OPTIONAL SLIDE: Remove this text to use, or delete slide if desired.

How were the standards developed?  The initiative was state-led, and Tennessee was represented by content experts in math and English language arts from the state department of education  A group of governors from the National Governors Association (NGA) and state commissioners from the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) coordinated development.  The public provided input before the standards were finalized. Comments from Tennessee teachers and parents were included in the revision process. 4

Standards, not Curriculum  Standards versus Curriculum Standards = goals for what students should learn, set by the state Curriculum = the road map for meeting those goals, set by local districts and schools  Common Core does not dictate curriculum In accordance with Tennessee Code , textbook adoption is governed strictly by local school boards. 5

Implementation  Implementation began for math and English language arts in : Teachers in kindergarten through second grade begin using the standards : Teachers in third grade through eighth grade being using the standards  TDOE has provided optional, no-cost training to teachers. Spring/Summer 2012: more than 13,000 teachers Summer 2013: more than 31,000 teachers registered 6

Assessment of the Common Core State Standards  Developed by the Partnership for the Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC)  Tennessee was a founding member of the PARCC governing board  PARCC is designed to: Build a pathway to college and career readiness for all students Create high-quality assessments that measure the full range of CCSS Support educators in the classroom Make better use of technology in assessments Advance accountability at all levels 7

PARCC implementation will…  Be administered online in order to: Increase flexibility for question types, such as student-supplied answers and drag-and-drop Reflect the nature of college and career work Return results to parents and teachers more quickly  Begin in the school year  Replace TCAP in math, reading, and writing in grades Science and social studies will continue being assessed through TCAP 8

Data Collection  TN has collected student information through TCAP in accordance with state and federal law. New assessments will not change this process.  The federal government does not have access to student-level information housed in state data systems.  The Common Core State Standards are not a tool for data collection.  State implementation of The Common Core State Standards and their related assessments do not require additional data collection beyond what is authorized by current federal law. 9

For additional resources and information, visit: Or send questions to: 10