There has been much discussion and controversy regarding Common Core State Standards. This page is designed to give information for constituents so they understand what the Common Core State Standards are and what they are not. In August 2013, Governor Deal requested that the State Board of Education Conduct a formal review to ensure that the standards are Georgia-specific and that the standards appropriately prepare students for life after high school.
The Common Core State Standards Initiative
Beginning in the spring of 2009, Governors and state commissioners of education from 48 states, 2 territories and the District of Columbia committed to developing a common core of state K-12 English-language arts (ELA) and mathematics standards. The Common Core State Standards Initiative (CCSSI) was a state-led effort coordinated by the National Governors Association (NGA) and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO). Georgia adopted CCSS in June 2010 because we wanted a seat at the table to help ensure they were standards that met the expectations we had already set with our on Georgia Performance Standards. The other benefit of adoption for Georgia was that students could move from another state to Georgia and have already been exposed to the same rigorous standards we expected of our own students.
After final adoption the name of the curriculum was referred to as CCGPS.
CCGPS Timeline:
January-May 2012: Grade-by-Grade Teacher Professional Learning
2012-2013: Classroom implementation
2014-2015: First year of new assessment (Georgia Milestones)
Why Common Core Standards?
Preparation: The standards are college- and career-ready. They will help prepare students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in education and training after high school.
Competition: The standards are internationally benchmarked. Common standards will help ensure our students are globally competitive.
Equity: Expectations are consistent for all – and not dependent on a student’s zip code.
Clarity: The standards are focused, coherent, and clear. Clearer standards help students (and parents and teachers) understand what is expected of them.
Collaboration: The standards create a foundation to work collaboratively across states and districts, pooling resources and expertise, to create curricular tools, professional development, common assessments and other materials.
Rigorous knowledge and skills needed to succeed in college and/or careers
Consistent expectations across states for all students, regardless of whether they decide to attend Georgia Tech or UCLA, or pursue a job in Georgia, Maine, or Indiana
Relevant content and application of knowledge through high-order thinking skills
Clear, focused expectations that assist educators in being on the same page and in working together with students and parents toward shared goals
A common-sense next step that is aligned to our Georgia Performance Standards (GPS)
Actions by the State Board of Education to Ensure Standards are specific to Georgia
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