NC Public Schools transitioning Common Core Standards:

NC Public Schools are getting ready to embark on a new model for our instruction in all schools K-12 beginning with the 2012-2013 school year. This new framework is called Common Core State Standards for Math and Language Arts/ Literacy and Essential Standards for Social Studies and Science.

While NC has used the NC Standard Course of Study for many years, this model was unique to NC just as other states’ models were unique for their own state curriculum.  If a student moved from one state to another – the framework for curriculum would vary greatly.

To address the problem of multiple sets of standards across states, two organizations- the National Governor’s Association and Council of Chief State School Officers—facilitated the creation of one set of standards known as the Common Core State Standards.  Currently 48 states and three territories have voluntarily adopted the CCSS.  North Carolina adopted the CCSS in June 2010 and the new standards begin next school year.

During this school year, the district and state leaders have been very busy familiarizing the teachers with the new standards and this spring and summer will be involving teachers in the development of curriculum maps to help teach the standards.

The Common Core State Standards outline standards in English language arts, mathematics, and literacy, for kindergarten through grade 12.  Each Standard progresses grade level to grade level like a set of stair steps. The ultimate goal is for all students to be career and college ready upon graduation from high school.

Overview of progress thus far (pdf)