The document discusses the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), which were developed through a state-led initiative in 2009 to create unified educational standards in English language arts and mathematics, adopted by 46 states. It outlines the rationale behind the standards, emphasizing evidence-based decisions and the need for coherence and rigor in education. Additionally, it addresses challenges in implementation and suggests ways QD learning can support teachers and parents in fostering critical thinking and practical application of skills.

1. Common Core and its Challenge
Zhonghe Wu (Ph.D.), Professor
Feb. 7, 2016

2. Content of Discussion
• What is the Common Core?
• Why the Common Core?
• How to implement Common Core?
• What can QD Learning help?
• Questions/Answers

3. What is the Common Core?
• National Governors Association (NGA) and the Council of Chief
State School Officers (CCSSO) convened a state-led process
in 2009 to develop common ELA and Math standards.
• A state-led effort to develop a common set of standards in
English language arts (ELA) and math that:
• Align college and workplace expectations
• The CCSS have been adopted by 46 states
• The CCSS will affect all public schools in adopted states
• Implementation beginning 2012
• New state assessments in 2014-15

4. Common Core: A Fast
Timeline
June
2009
Beginning
of CCSS
Initiative
March
2010
K-12 Draft
Released
for Public
Comment
June 2010
Formal
Release of K-
12 CCSS
February 2012
47 States Have
Adopted CCSS 2014 - 2015
Participating
States
Administer New
CCSS
Assessments
Implementation
is NOW!

5. Why the Common Core?
• Evidence was used to guide critical decisions in the following
areas:
– Timing of when content should be introduced and the progression of that
content
– Ensuring focus and coherence
• Evidence includes:
– Standards from high-performing countries, leading states, and nationally-
regarded frameworks
– Research on adolescent literacy, text complexity, mathematics
instruction, quantitative literacy

6. CCSS – Mathematics
The Three Shifts
Focus strongly where the standards focus
Coherence: Think across grades and link to
major topics within grades
Rigor: Require conceptual understanding,
fluency, and application

7. CCSS -Mathematics
There are two sets of standards in math

8. CCSS – Mathematics
what
 Counting and Cardinality (number relationship) (K only)
 Operations in Algebraic Thinking
 Number and Operations in Base Ten
 Measurement and Data
 Geometry
 Number and Operations-Fractions (grades 3-5)

9. CCSS – Mathematics
how
Eight Standards for Mathematical Practice
 Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them
 Reason abstractly and quantitatively
 Construct viable arguments and critique the understanding of others
 Model with mathematics
 Use appropriate tools strategically
 Attend to precision
 Look for and make use of structure
 Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning

10. CCSS - English/Language
Arts Framework
K-5 ELA
History/SS
Science & Tech Subjects
Reading
• Foundational Skills
• Literature
• Informational Text
Writing
Speaking &
Listening
Language
6-12 ELA
Reading
• Literature
• Informational Text
Writing
Speaking &
Listening
Language
6-12 History/SS
Reading
• Informational Text
Writing
6-12 Science &
Technical
Subjects
Reading
• Informational Text
Writing

11. CCSS - ELA / Literacy: Major
Shifts
Balance of Literary and Informational Texts
Informational
Text
Literature
Informational
Text
Literature
Poetry,
Drama
Myths,
Legends,
Short
Stories,
Directions,
Forms, etc.
Social Studies,
History, Arts,
Science,
Biographies,

12. Assessment Update
Assessments will begin the 2014-2015 school year
SBAC
Will incorporate technology with computer based testing

13. How to implement Common
Core?
School
Teacher
Parent

14. Challenge of Implementation

15. Challenge of Implementation

16. How can QD Learning
(work with Parents) help?
 Have teachers and professors to teach
 Math
More practice with reasoning
Encourage children to develop their critical thinking skills.
Ask students to think of different ways they can solve problems.
Have children apply their math knowledge to a real-world scenario,
such as doubling a recipe or calculating the area of a room.
 Language
More reading and making connections to culture and community
Talk, read, listen, sing, and play games with your child

17. Questions
&
Answers