In August 2010, California adopted the Common Core Standards. Since then, the California Department of Education, county offices and districts have been working towards implementing the Common Core curriculum. Though field-testing will happen beforehand, by spring of 2015, the new Smarter Balance testing system, which is based on the Common Core, will be in place. Over the next couple of years, you will see changes. Although many of the standards are the same, the delivery of the curriculum should shift.
With the implementation of any new program, curriculum and/or in this case standards, it is likely that you will initially see a dip in scores. This is normal and should be expected.
The intent of the Common Core is for students to graduate from high school and be prepared to succeed in college or career training.
The standards: Are aligned with college and work expectations; Are clear, understandable and consistent; Include rigorous content and application of knowledge through high-order skills; Build upon strengths and lessons of current state standards; Are informed by other top performing countries, so that all students are prepared to succeed in our global economy and society; and Are evidence-based.
