Parents, teachers and others interested in improving student English and math skills can now view and offer their input into the first official public draft of the K-12 standards developed as part of the so-called Common Core State Standards Initiative in West Virginia.
The draft standards, released to the public on Wednesday, were developed together with teachers, school administrators and other experts to provide a clear and consistent framework to prepare America’s children for college and ultimately the work force, according to the West Virginia Department of Education.
The Mountain State is one of 51 states to join with the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices and the Council of Chief State School Officers in developing the proposed common standards.
Gov. Joe Manchin, who serves as the vice chair of the National Governors Association, is supportive of the proposed common core standards.
“I support these Common Core State Standards because they provide clear, consistent guidelines for children across our nation,” Manchin said Wednesday. “It is time that we ensure all students — no matter where they live — are learning the essential skills they need to succeed and that they are reaching the appropriate benchmarks for their grade. I am pleased to see this major state-led effort come into fruition. If we want our children and grandchildren to compete globally then as states we must set standards that ensure they acquire 21st century skill sets.”
The governor argues that adopting common education standards will help to create a solid foundation that in return will ensure a quality education for students. Manchin is encouraging residents across West Virginia to offer their feedback and suggestions on the proposed standards.
Those interested in the standards are encouraged to review them and complete a survey by Friday, April 2, 2010, at www.corestandards.org. You can click on “submit feedback” to access the actual survey.
“West Virginia has taken bold steps to increase rigor and incorporate 21st century skills into the curriculum,” state Superintendent of Schools Steve Paine, also president-elect of Common Core State Standards, added Wednesday. “Participating in this national initiative will reinforce that we are doing the right thing for students in West Virginia by helping them excel both in their core classes and in real-world settings so that they will be globally intelligent and resilient in today’s digital world."
We would urge all parents interested in their children’s future to review and provide constructive input into the proposed common core standards. It’s a chance for parents to have a say in their child’s education.
It is critical to have such core standards in place to help guide and shape youngsters as they progress from the elementary, middle and high school years. A clear and consistent set of standards will help to prepare the youngsters for the challenges of tomorrow, including college, and ultimately the work force.
Editorials
March 12, 2010
Common Core State Standards: K-12 draft now available for public inspection
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