Common Core State Standards and Its Impact on Curriculum

Common Core State Standards and Its Impact on Curriculum

Introduction

Common Core State Standards (CCSS) is a voluntary state led initiative that looks to establish clear expectations for learning in grades kindergarten through twelfth that are standard from state to state. The purpose of the standards is to make certain that there is uniformity in student proficiency and high school graduates have the know-how and ability needed for college and a competitive workforce in the twenty-first century. Along with forty-three other states and the District of Columbia, Mississippi adopted CCSS in 2011 in English and mathematics (Common Core State Standards Initiative, 2010).

Two primary components make up the Common Core State Standards. The primary components are: The College and Career Readiness Anchor Standards (CCR) and Grade Specific Standards. The CCR and Grade Specific Standards are a necessary balance to curriculum. The CCR provides broad standards and Grade Specific Standards provide additional specificity. Together, the two define the skills and understandings that all students must display.

The CCR standards define literacy expectations for college and workforce readiness and are divided into four strands: Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening, and Language. Grade-specific standards define end-of-year expectations and correspond to the same-numbered CCR strand and standard (Common Core State Standards Initiative, 2010).

However, while it is a commendable goal for all students to become proficient and improve college and career readiness, how will this be achieved with our present curriculum? Teachers began implementation this fall in grades kindergarten through second, grades third through fifth will begin spring 2...

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