Common Core Standards: An IntroductionCommon Core Standards: An Introduction

The K–12 Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts and Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects

The K–12 Common Core State Standards in Mathematics

The K–12 Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts and Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects

The K–12 Common Core State Standards in Mathematics

English Language Arts and Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects

grade-by-grade standards

reading, writing, speaking and listening, language, media and technology

a steady progression of development

• leading to college and career readiness by the end of high school

Mathematics Standards

K-8 standards are organized by domains

grades 9-12 are organized by conceptual categories

English Language Arts

Readingstandards establish a “staircase” of increasing complexity

standards also require the progressive development of reading comprehension

a diverse array of classic and contemporary literature as well as challenging informational texts in a range of subjects

standards require certain critical types of texts for all students, including classic myths and stories from around the world, informational and technical texts, foundational U.S. documents, seminal works of American literature, and the writings of Shakespeare

English Language Arts

WritingAbility to write logical arguments based on substantive claims, sound reasoning, and relevant evidence

Research—both short, focused projects (such as those commonly required in the workplace) and sustained inquiry—is emphasized throughout the standards

Annotated samples of student writing accompany the standards and help establish clear performance levels in writing arguments, informational/explanatory texts, and narratives in the various grades.

English Language Arts

Speaking & Listeningstandards require that students be able to gain, evaluate, and present increasingly-complex information, ideas, and evidence through listening and speaking as well as through a wide range of media.

LanguageThe vocabulary standards require that students be able to determine word meanings, identify the nuances of words, and steadily expand their repertoire of words and phrases, particularly those important to academic discourse

Standards for conventions (grammar, usage, punctuation, capitalization, and spelling) and language choice recognize that students must be able to use formal English in their writing and speaking

Literacy in the Content Areas

Starting in grade 6, the reading and writing standards are divided into two sections, one focusing on ELA, and the other focusing on history/social studies, science, and technical subjects.

This division reflects the role both English teachers and teachers in other content areas play in developing the literacy skills students need for success in college and careers

skills related to media and technology (both critical analysis and production of media) are integrated throughout the ELA and Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects standards.

What do you need to know?Common Core Standards

guide schools in developing specific literacy and numeracy knowledge and skills progressively over time

support development toward college and career readiness

provide clear standards with supporting exemplars

highlight literacy as not just the responsibility of ELA teachers

define literacy (reading, writing, speaking, listening, language development, use of media and technology) as part of all learning