In 2009, a national effort began to standardize standards across states. The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) and the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA) committed to developing a set of standards that would help prepare students for success in career and college. The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) Initiative resulted in the creation of common standards for English-language arts and mathematics, kindergarten through grade twelve. The standards are founded upon the best state standards; the experiences of teachers, content experts, and leading thinkers; and feedback from the general public. In addition, the standards are internationally benchmarked to the top performing nations to ensure that our students are globally competitive. Parents, educators, content experts, researchers, national organizations, and community groups from forty-eight states, two territories, and the District of Columbia all participated in the development of the standards. The CCSS are rigorous, research-based, and relevant to the real world. On August 2, 2010, the California State Board of Education (SBE) voted unanimously to adopt the CCSS.
Where Can Parents Get More Information on the Common Core State Standards?
Western Placer Unified School District is committed to keeping our parents informed about the new Common Core State Standards. Click on the links below for additional information:
What About the New Tests and Accountability Systems?
Calfornia Standards Tests (CST's) in English Language Arts and Mathematics will be replaced by the new Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) tests in 2015. Teachers in Western Placer Unified School District are being provided with extensive professional development to teach to the new Common Core State Standards and to prepare their students for the new SBAC assessments. CCSS and SBAC require thinking at deep levels, going beyond memorization of facts and details to synthesizing information and applying learning to real-life situations. Students and families can explore the new SBAC Assessments through the following links:
What about the California High School Exit Exam?
The California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE), which every student must pass to graduate from high school, is based on current state standards. Each student is expected to meet grade-level standards, starting in elementary school, to be able to pass the CAHSEE. It is uncertain whether the new SBAC assessments will replace CAHSEE.
Are textbooks aligned to the new Common Core?
Textbooks currently in use at all grade levels have been approved by the State and are aligned with the previous CA state standards in math, language arts, social studies, and science. As new textbook adoptions that support the new CCSS are developed, they will be implemented districtwide, beginning with Mathematics in the 2014/15 school year. Until then, teachers will continue utilizing current textbooks and adjusting as necessary to meet CCSS requirements.
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For questions or complaints, contact Equity Officer and Title IX Compliance Officer:
Gabriel Simon
Assistant Superintendent, Personnel
600 Sixth Street Suite 400
(916) 645-6350
gsimon@wpusd.org