Educational standards describe what students should know and be able to do in each subject in each grade. In California, the State Board of Education decides on the standards for all students, from kindergarten through high school. The California Department of Education helps schools make sure that all students are meeting the standards.
Since 2010, 45 states have adopted the same standards for English and math. These standards are called the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). Having the same standards helps all students get a good education, even if they change schools or move to a different state. Teachers, parents, and education experts designed the CCSS to prepare students for success in college and the workplace.
The video "A New Foundation for Student Success"
, commissioned by the Hunt Institute and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO), provides an introduction to the Common Core State Standards, including a brief history. Watch more videos on the CCSSO Web site
.
Text transcript of "A New Foundation for Student Success"
Common Core State Standards – The Adoption Process
California's Common Core State Standards for Mathematics
(PDF)
Common Core State Standards Initiative
The multi-state initiative released the CCSS on June 2, 2010. The initiative site includes information about the development and research behind the standards, appendices, the states that have adopted the CCSS, and frequently asked questions.
English Language Arts Standards - Appendix A
(PDF)
Research Supporting Key Elements of the Standards and Glossary of Terms
English Language Arts Standards - Appendix B
(PDF)
Text Exemplars and Sample Performance Tasks
English Language Arts Standards - Appendix C
(PDF)
Samples of Student Writing
Mathematics Standards - Appendix A
(PDF)
Designing High School Mathematics Courses Based on the CCSS
Send your Common Core questions to:
CommonCoreTeam@cde.ca.gov
