Common Core State Standards Update Shannon Sevier, National PTA Vice President of Advocacy, Chair, Texas Tammy Bartels, Kansas State PTA President Denise Sultz, Kansas State PTA President Elect

2014 ACT Results Only 39% of ACT-tested graduates met three or more of the four ACT College Readiness Benchmarks in English, math, reading and science. One out of three students—31%—did not meet any of the benchmarks, indicating they are ill-prepared in all four core subject areas. Those percentages are unchanged from

Remediation Every year in the United States, nearly 60% of first-year college students discover that, despite being fully eligible to attend college, they are not ready for postsecondary studies. Nearly 75% of first year students entering community colleges need remediation. Remediation course work is not credit bearing, but the classes cost the same as credit bearing classes.

Career Options It is estimated that 75 % of young Americans are unable to join the armed forces. A large contributing factor is poor educational achievement. Currently, a full 30 % of high school graduates cannot pass the U.S. military entrance exam.

Career Options Science Technology Engineering Math

STEM Ready?

Education Standards Overview Nearly every state has had some level of academic standards in place since the late 1990’s Under NCLB, all states are required to have standards in place in core content areas States use a variety of processes to adopt standards, including appointing standards review committees or commissions

Education Standards Overview Many states are required by state law or education department regulation to periodically review the standards Standards are validated by various means – states determine the validation process

Three-Minute Video Explaining the Common Core State Standards

Benefits for Students The new standards emphasize the high-level, core skills that students will need in the future to be successful in college and career. The common core encourages students to read the kinds of material they will see in the workplace, along with literature and history.

Benefits for Students The consistency of the standards across jurisdictions ensures that students will not fall behind if they switch schools or move to a different city or state. The high standards and expectations embedded in the common core will ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed, no matter where they live or what their backgrounds are.

Benefits for Students High school graduates who attain proficiency on the common core will arrive at college without the need for expensive remedial courses.

Benefits for Teachers Teachers will be asked to teach fewer topics in ELA and math but to teach them differently and in greater depth. Teachers will have clearer direction about what they need to emphasize so that their students will be successful.

Benefits for Teachers Teachers will retain flexibility over how to teach. Teachers will have the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues across the country who will be teaching the same standards.

Common Core Pushback Myths about the Standards Concerns about Implementation Concerns about Assessments/Accountability Concerns about Data

Myths about the Standards

Concerns about Implementation CCSS State Resources

An Academic Checkup

Concerns about Assessments/Accountability National PTA Assessment Resources

Concerns about Data CCSS Resources Data FAQs Tools for Data Discussions

What can you do? Read the standards in your state Find out what is going on in your school/district/state Make sure PTA is involved! Ask for help

Questions?

For more information contact: Chrystal Jones, Senior State Advocacy Strategist (571) Lee Ann Kendrick, Regional Advocacy Specialist (571) Melisa Yeoman, Regional Advocacy Specialist