Why Common Core Matters
What Parents Need to Know
Lauren Marple, ECED 321
OVERVIEW
The article explains the Common Core State Standards in a more broken-down and easily understandable way, with the intention that parents will be able to better grasp the importance of the standards.
IMPACT
Common Core is "new," and that scares a lot of parents. Many people believe that the way they were taught something is the "right way," and have difficulty seeing a bigger picture and therefore understanding why change needs to occur. This article was one of my favorites from this semester, because of how clear, concise, and relevant it is. The headings are posed as questions and easy to follow. Neuman and Roskos explain what Common Core is and why we as a nation need it. Many people don't understand CCSS, but have strong opinions against the standards. This article does a wonderful job explaining and answering any questions. I personally support the Standards, and I would consider handing out this article to future parents of students at the beginning of the school year. Just because the Standards have equal and high expectations doesn't mean that they are something to be scared of. I definitely plan on keeping this article in my repertoire to refer back to.
Another article that backs up Common Core and explains parental frustration: https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/common-core-math-can-be-a-mystery-and-parents-are-going-to-school-to-understand-it/2014/11/01/af57efa0-604f-11e4-9f3a-7e28799e0549_story.html
HOW IT FITS
This article fits most closely with comprehension. The authors discuss how the CCSS impact education and learning. One of the main goals of the CCSS is to promote literacy development by integrating different modes of literacy and communication.
CITATION
Neuman, Susan B. & Roskos, Kathleen (2013).Why Common Core Matters: What Parents Need to Know. The Reading Teacher, 67(1), 9–11.