The Echo

State Board of Education adopts national Common Core Standards
http://www.doe.k12.de.us/news/2010/0819b.shtml
(Dover, DE).─ In a bold move to continue strengthening Delaware’s education system, the Delaware State Board of Education today unanimously approved the adoption of national Common Core Standards for English Language Arts and Mathematics. This will mean more rigorous standards for students in Delaware classrooms. Common Core Standards (CCS) are clear standards for what should be learned in every public school in every state in the Union.

The adoption of the Common Core Standards compliments an array of reform efforts underway in Delaware schools aimed at better preparing students for college and career success.

Delaware’s Department of Education (DDOE) launched a comprehensive review of academic offerings in classrooms across the state and proposed the incorporation of the Common Core Standards from kindergarten through 12th grade. Adoption of CCS is the first step to strengthen the existing curriculum known as the DE Prioritized Curriculum. The DDOE is working with school districts to train teachers to incorporate the new standards into their lessons.

Some students will see changes resulting from implementation of Common Core Standards as early as the second semester of this school year. For instance, some math now taught at the middle school level will start being taught one year earlier at the elementary level. The 2011-2012 school year will reflect most Common Core Standard changes.

"Our children’s education is vital to their long term personal and economic success," Governor Jack Markell said. "A Delaware diploma should signal strength in any state in the country and any country in the world. It should say our students graduated ready for success in the global marketplace."

"English and Math are critical subjects that provide a foundation for all learning and can set children on a path to college readiness. These new standards will help all educators bolster the quality of classroom instruction and move us closer to the intensive reform needed in our schools," Education Secretary Lillian M. Lowery said.

Lowery recently announced major reforms of education in Delaware in the statewide effort to make significant academic gains under the "Race to the Top" program.

The research-based Common Core Standards were developed in coordination with education and business leaders, parents, and other experts across the nation. Governor Markell helped drive the common core standards effort and serves as co-chair of the Common Core Standards Initiative for the National Governor’s Association.
Delaware’s new curriculum standards:

•Build upon strengths and lessons of current state standards known as DE Prioritized Curriculum;

•Align with college and work expectations;

•Include rigorous content and application of knowledge through high-order skills;

•Are evidence and/or research-based;

•Are clear, understandable and consistent;

•Are informed by other top performing countries so that all students are prepared to succeed in our global economy.

The Common Core State Standards Initiative (CCSSI) is a state-led effort coordinated by the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO). For additional information about the curriculum standards, please go to www.doe.k12.de.us and click on the Spotlight prompt to view the Common Core Standards links.