Transitioning to the Common Core State Standards Melissa Murphy Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning

Exciting changes are on the way for students across the country. This change is called the Common Core State Standards Initiative (CCSSI). The Common Core State Standards Initiative is an effort designed to improve educational outcomes for students by developing a set of common, internationally- benchmarked academic standards in mathematics and English language arts for students in K-12. Illinois is one of 45 states that have adopted these standards in 2010 This presentation will focus on the new mathematics standards and District 117’s transition.

Common Core State Standards for Mathematics Grade Level Standards/Content K-8 grade-by-grade standards organized by domain. Standards for Mathematical Practice Describe mathematical “habits of mind” Standards for mathematical proficiency: reasoning, problem solving, modeling, decision making, and engagement. Connect with content standards in each grade.

GradeK Domains Counting and Cardinality Ratios and Proportional Relationships Functions Operation and Algebraic ThinkingExpression and Equations Number and Operations in Base TenThe Number System Fractions Measurement and DataStatistics and Probability Geometry Content Standards Domains by Grade Level

Standards for Mathematical Practice 1. Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them. 2. Reason abstractly and quantitatively. 3. Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others. 4. Model with mathematics. 5. Use appropriate tools strategically. 6. Attend to precision. 7. Look for and make use of structure.

Let’s look at how students might learn to model with mathematics (Practice Standard 4) Juan has 2 pounds of raisins and wants to put them into bags with ¼ pound of raisins in each bag. How many bags will he need? (2 ÷ ¼ = ?) ¼ ¼ ¼ ¼ ¼ ¼ ¼ ¼

Common Core State Standards Focus on Problem Solving Frances plans to use 24 inches of ribbon for the rectangular picture frame she is making for her grandmother’s birthday. 7 in Frances cut a piece of ribbon 7 inches long, which exactly fit on one side of the picture frame. How long will the other three pieces of ribbon need to be in order to fit the other 3 sides of the picture frame? Draw a diagram of your answer below.

How Will the Math Classroom Look Different? Students will: Learn more about fewer, key topics. Develop speed and accuracy. Really know it, really do it. Solve problems like they would encounter in the real world. More problem solving, writing and communicating about math. Higher-level thinking and increased rigor.

How you can help at home? Learn what the standards are for your child’s grade level. Ask your child’s teacher about their progress. Help your child learn basic math facts. Provide time for your child to work on math at home. Ask your child to do math that comes up in real life.

How can you learn more? visit

National PTA Website

If you have questions Contact your school principal or Melissa Murphy Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning