Beginning in September 2011, the Office of Catholic Education will adopt the Common Core Standards for the teaching of ELA (English Language Arts, formerly called ILA) and Math. The following year, we will adopt the Common Core Standards for Science and Social Studies.
Why are we adopting the Common Core Standards?
- 48 out of 50 states have adopted CCS
- CCS provides a consistent, clear understanding of what students are expected to learn
- CCS are robust and relevant to the real world, reflecting the knowledge and skills that students need for success in college and careers
- CCS will help the educators to prepare our students to succeed in their personal and professional lives.
- The CCS allows for the depth of understanding rather than the breadth of covering material.
- The CCS provides fewer standards – solving the problem of the over-crowded standards and curricula that began with the standards movement in the 1980’s.
- American competiveness relies on a strong education system; one that adequately prepares students to compete successfully in a global economy.
- The CCS provides benchmarks for all students regardless of where they live; a first-time movement in U.S. history!
- The CCS provides an opportunity for educators to work together, share best practices, and build a 21st century educational system for all students.
Within the next two years, once the standards have been fully implemented, National standardized tests will replace the Terra Nova. All states that have adopted the Common Core Standards will receive the same standardized test.
Faculty at Nativity of Our Lord School will attend multiple Professional Development sessions to learn in detail about integrating the Common Core Standards into their grade curriculum.
