A national survey of 800 voters revealed that public education perceptions are critical, with most believing high school graduates are unprepared. Many voters support raising academic standards and favor uniformity in education standards and assessments across states. While awareness of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) is low, a majority express support for its implementation, with consensus that any initial drop in test scores is expected during the adjustment phase.

1. Voter Perceptions:
Common Core State
Standards & Tests
Project # 13480
Key Findings From A National Survey of N=800 Voters.
Conducted November 14-18, 2013; Margin of Error +3.5%.

2. 2
Perceptions of
Public Education

3. 3
*Asked of N=397 registered voters.
^Asked of N=403 registered voters.
In the issue landscape, public education is on par with
the economy and government spending.
Perceptions of Public Education
Now, thinking about some issues facing our country, please tell me how important
each of the following issues are for the government to address.
Issues
% Extremely Important
% Extremely/Very
Important
Job creation and economic growth
43%
88%
Reducing the federal budget deficit and government spending
41%
78%
Improving the quality of public education
40%
82%
Improving the health care system
34%
73%
Combating terrorism at home in the United States and overseas
33%
72%
Securing our borders and addressing the issue of immigration
28%
63%
Investing in alternative energy sources*
21%
53%
Reducing taxes^
21%
52%

4. 4
9%
35%
32%
20%
43%
54%
Working pretty well now
A complete overhaul is needed
Major changes are needed
Some changes are needed, but basically should be kept the same
Perceptions of Public Education
Few voters think K-12 public education is working pretty well.
A majority believe students are graduating high school unprepared.
When it comes to public education in grades K through 12 in our country, do you think our public schools….
Breakdowns may not add to total due to rounding.
And, when it comes to having sufficient academic knowledge and skills, do you believe graduates of our nation’s public high schools are – very prepared, somewhat prepared, somewhat unprepared or very unprepared – to meet the expectations they face as they take the next steps after high school?
Prepared
Unprepared

5. 5
66%
28%
3%
Perceptions of Public Education
A majority of voters say academic requirements for students in public schools should be raised.
Asked of N=397 registered voters.
In general, do you believe academic requirements for students in public schools should be
raised, lowered, or kept the same as they are right now?
Raised
Kept The Same
Lowered

6. 6
36%
37%
13%
Perceptions of Public Education
Voters have mixed views on the current amount of student testing.
In general, do you believe that students in public schools are given too many standardized tests, not enough standardized tests, or about the right amount of standardized tests throughout the school year?
Asked of N=403 registered voters.
Too Many
Right Amount
Not Enough

7. 7
67%
30%
Perceptions of Public Education
About two-thirds of voters say it is better for states to have the same standards in math and English rather than having different standards.
I am going to read you two statements about education standards in subjects such as mathematics, reading, and English language skills, and please tell me which comes closer to your point of view on this.
It is better for all states to have the
SAME STANDARDS at each grade level in math and English so students across the country have to meet the same expectations.
It is better for all states to have their
OWN STANDARDS at each grade level in math and English so each state can be sure that the standards reflect their own priorities.
OR
Standards asked of N=397 registered voters.

8. 8
61%
34%
Perceptions of Public Education
Similarly, a majority say it is better for states to have the same tests in
math and English rather than having different tests.
I am going to read you two statements about education tests in subjects such as mathematics, reading, and English language skills, and please tell me which comes closer to your point of view on this.
It is better for all states to have the
SAME TESTS at each grade level in math
and English so test scores can be compared across states.
It is better for all states to have their
OWN TESTS at each grade level in math
and English so each state can be sure the tests reflect their own priorities.
OR
Tests asked of N=403 registered voters.

9. 9
The Common Core State Standards (CCSS)

10. 10
The Common Core State Standards (CCSS)
A majority of voters report hearing little or nothing about CCSS.
Those who are aware of CCSS are split in their opinion of the standards.
Over the last few years a new set of educational standards were developed for English and math for students in grades K through 12. They are called Common Core State Standards and they are now being implemented by 45 states across the country.
Thinking about the last six months, how much have you seen, read or heard about these Common Core State Standards? (A lot, some, not much, nothing at all)
37%
37%
63%
40%
16% A Lot
39% Nothing
Opinion of the CCSS Among N=483
Who Are Aware Of The Standards
(Margin of Error of N=483 is +4.5%)
And, has what you have seen, read or heard recently about the Common Core State Standards given you a favorable or unfavorable impression of the standards?
A Lot/Some
Not Too Much/
Nothing At All
Favorable
Unfavorable

11. 11
The Common Core State Standards (CCSS)
When all voters are asked if they favor or oppose implementing the CCSS in their state, a plurality offers their support.
Based on what you know about them, do you favor or oppose implementing
the Common Core State Standards here in (STATE)?
Strongly Favor
14%
Somewhat Favor 26%
Somewhat Oppose 11%
Strongly Oppose 14%
Don't Know/ Refused 35%
Total Favor 40%
Total Oppose 25%

12. 12
Respondents were provided with the following information about the Common Core State Standards and asked if they would favor or oppose their implementation:
Over the last few years a new set of educational standards were developed for English and math for students in grades K through 12. They are called the Common Core State Standards and are now being taught in classrooms in 45 states across the country.
The standards were developed under the guidance of state governors and state school chiefs who relied on teachers, content experts, and higher education faculty
to help draft and review them.
The goal of the standards is to help all students have the knowledge and skills they need in English and math so that they will be prepared as they leave high school and enter the workforce or go on to college, and that all students would be held to the same expectations, regardless of their state, school, or district.

13. 13
69%
23%
The Common Core State Standards (CCSS)
After hearing the brief description, a solid majority of voters say they favor implementing the Common Core State Standards.
Knowing this, do you favor or oppose implementing these Common Core State Standards?
% Strongly Favor
% Favor
Men
32%
65%
Women
39%
73%
18-44
31%
69%
45+
40%
70%
<College
38%
73%
College +
32%
65%
White
31%
67%
African American
53%
81%
Hispanic
48%
77%
Republican
28%
61%
Independent
25%
65%
Democrat
46%
80%
Northeast
37%
70%
Midwest
33%
72%
South
37%
67%
West
34%
69%
Public School Moms
42%
76%
Public School Dads
24%
58%
Teacher/Education Households
30%
66%
Union Households
37%
68%
Support Tea Party
30%
56%
Not Support Tea Party
38%
75%
36% Strongly
13% Strongly
Favor
Oppose

14. 14
The Common Core State Standards (CCSS)
By almost a two-to-one margin, a majority of voters side with supporters when provided with the key arguments of the CCSS debate.
Supporters say these Common Core State Standards are more challenging for students so they will be better prepared by the end of high school for college and careers. They say there has been too much “teaching to the test” in the past and these standards change that by emphasizing real learning and real world skills, like critical thinking and problem solving.
Opponents say these Common Core State Standards have not been tested in the classroom and there is no evidence they will work or improve education in our state. They say these standards are an attempt to federalize education by imposing a "one‐size‐fits‐all" approach to teaching and measuring student ability.
…while…

15. 15
The Common Core State Standards Assessments

16. 16
Respondents were provided with the following information about the Common Core State Standards Assessments and asked if they would favor or oppose their implementation:
As the Common Core State Standards are being implemented and taught, new tests aligned to the standards are also under development. These new tests are designed to help determine what students know and can do, and whether they are on track to graduate from high school ready for college or the workforce. Over time, these new tests would replace the current end of year state tests being given here in (STATE).

17. 17
66%
22%
The Common Core State Standards Assessments (CCSS Assessments)
A strong majority support implementation of the CCSS assessments.
Do you favor or oppose implementing these new tests?
% Strongly Favor
% Favor
Men
28%
61%
Women
34%
70%
18-44
31%
68%
45+
31%
65%
<College
33%
71%
College +
27%
59%
White
26%
62%
African American
57%
87%
Hispanic
40%
73%
Republican
20%
57%
Independent
22%
55%
Democrat
43%
76%
Northeast
30%
63%
Midwest
31%
68%
South
33%
67%
West
28%
66%
Public School Moms
46%
75%
Public School Dads
23%
56%
Teacher/Education Households
26%
63%
Union Households
32%
62%
Support Tea Party
22%
57%
Not Support Tea Party
34%
70%
31% Strongly
13% Strongly
Favor
Oppose

18. 18
Respondents were asked if they agree or disagree with the following statements knowing that in some states student
test scores have dropped since CCSS implementation:
These lower test scores should be expected in this early phase of implementation, because with
any new system there is always a period of adjustment as teachers and students
get used to the new standards and tests.*
Rather than blaming the tests for lower scores, we should give the new standards and tests time to work.
These lower test scores should be expected in this early phase of implementation, because with any new system there is always a period of adjustment as teachers and students get used to the new
standards and tests. When teachers and students are more familiar with the standards,
student test scores will go back up.^
These lower tests scores prove that previous tests were not challenging enough and did not
accurately measure what students need to know and be able to do to be successful.
These lower test scores prove that the Common Core standards do not work and they are actually
lowering student performance rather than raising it.
*Asked of N=397 registered voters.
^Asked of N=403 registered voters.

19. 19
4%
6%
6%
11%
12%
12%
11%
13%
14%
26%
8%
9%
13%
21%
30%
35%
36%
35%
28%
16%
41%
38%
33%
26%
16%
The Common Core State Standards Assessments (CCSS Assessments)
The majority of voters disagree that a drop in test scores means the CCSS are not working. Instead, most voters agree an adjustment period is natural and we need to give the standards time to work.
Give the new standards and tests time to work
76%
Don’t Know/Refused Strongly Disagree Somewhat Disagree Somewhat Agree Strongly Agree
20%
Proves previous tests were not challenging enough
Period of adjustment /
Test scores will go back up^
74%
21%
32%
56%
Period of adjustment*
54%
26%
Proves Common Core State Standards do not work
69%
35%
*Asked of N=397 registered voters. ^Asked of N=403 registered voters.
Breakdowns may not add to total due to rounding.

20. 20
81%
15%
The Common Core State Standards Assessments (CCSS Assessments)
There is overwhelming support for giving teachers and students
time to adjust before there are consequences for the CCSS test results.
And, knowing that test scores may drop as these new standards and tests are implemented would you favor or oppose giving teachers and students time to adjust to the new expectations before there are consequences for test results?
54% Strongly
9% Strongly
Favor
Oppose
And, how much time do you think teachers and students should be given to adjust to the new expectations before there are consequences for test results?
8%
31%
27%
18%
10%
There should be no delay or time given
One year
Two years
Three years or more
There should not be consequences

21. 21
The Common Core State Standards Assessments (CCSS Assessments)
However, a majority still want teacher evaluations, based at least in part on student test scores, to continue during the CCSS transition.
Please tell me which one of the following statements comes closest to your point view on the issue of
teacher evaluations as schools are making the transition to the Common Core State Standards and tests.
Do you think that teacher evaluations based in part on student test scores:
33%
19%
26%
9%
Should continue as schools transition because it is necessary to hold our schools and teachers accountable.
Should NOT continue for any reason as
schools transition.
Should NOT continue as schools transition, unless they are only used to reward good work or to provide training to improve teaching.
Should continue as schools transition, but not for decisions related to hiring or firing teachers.
Conditional Continued
Evaluations
Overall Continued
Evaluations

22. 22
The Bottom Line

23. 23
The Bottom Line
There is majority support for states to have the same standards and tests rather than their own standards and tests.
Most voters are still unaware of the Common Core State Standards, and among those who have heard at least something, opinions are divided.
However, upon hearing brief descriptions, a solid majority of voters support implementing the CCSS standards and tests.
The majority of voters agree that if test scores drop as the new CCSS assessments are implemented it is only to be expected as students and teachers adjust, and we should give the standards and tests time to work.
Most voters would favor giving teachers and students time to adjust to the new expectations before there are consequences for test results.
Yet, voters still want some level of teacher accountability as the CCSS standards and tests are implemented.

24. 24
Phone: (202) 247-0593
alex@pos.org
Alex Bratty
Dave Walker
Phone: (202) 478-8300
DWalker@gqrr.com