Understanding Common Core

As a parent and educator, I would like to voice support for the efforts that school districts and community partners, such as United Way of Santa Barbara County, are making to help guide and support parents through Common Core’s implementation.

The Common Core State Standards have been implemented in our schools since California adopted the standards in 2010. Local districts and teachers have been working diligently to successfully engage students in more relevant 21st-century learning expectations, collaborative efforts, and deeper learning skills established by Common Core, and expose them to the new opportunities and approaches to learning that the standards provide.

Furthermore, state education leaders, in partnership with districts and schools, have been working toward a thoughtful, deliberate approach to implementing the standards, including phasing in the changes associated with them, such as the new assessments, adopting teaching guides, investing in teacher training, and making adjustments in response to student needs. Another critical component is to ensure parents understand the standards so they’re better able to serve their kids’ educational needs. Partnerships between school leaders and community groups provide a great opportunity to engage and support parents.