• On June 2, 2010, the North Carolina State Board of Education adopted the Common Core State Standards which will be implemented during the 2012-2013 school year. The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) represent K-12 learning expectations in English-Language Arts/Literacy and Mathematics.  The Standards reflect the knowledge and skills students need to be college and career ready by the end of high school.
    North Carolina has also adopted Essential Standards in other content areas. 

    What is the Common Core?
    The Common Core State Standards Initiative is a state-led effort to provide a single set of clear standards for English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics.
     
    What is the importance of the Common Core?
    Parents will know what is expected of their children at each grade level. Standards give parents specific information when talking with teachers during the school year. Standards assure parents their children have access to the same high-quality education as other students in other parts of the country. Parents will know that their child is learning skills and knowledge to be successful in the 21st century.
     
    How different are the Common Core State Standards and the current NC Standard Course of Study?
    The Common Core State Standards have been described as “fewer, clearer, higher” (CCSS, 2010). Teachers will correlate the Standard Course of Study and the Common Core State Standards to understand the similarities and differences between the two.
     
    Why are the Common Core State Standards for English-Language Arts and Math?
    English-Language Arts and Math were the first subjects chosen for the Common Core State Standards because proficiency in these areas impact learning in all content areas.  They are also the subjects most frequently assessed for accountability purposes.
     
    What grade levels will be included in the Common Core State Standards?
    The English-language arts and math standards are for grades K-12.
     
    Are the Common Core State Standards mandatory for each State?
    States choose whether or not to adopt the Standards. Currently 48 states and U.S. territories have chosen to adopt them.
     
    Were teachers involved in the creation of the standards?
    Teachers have been a critical voice in the development of the standards. The National Education Association (NEA), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), and National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), among other organizations have been instrumental in bringing together teachers to provide specific, constructive feedback on the standards.