Global Reality and Common Core Standards

By Richard Carson, PhD, Senior Editor

We are, in so many ways, citizens of the world. Shifts in ownership of local companies emphasize the reality of global corporations, and with it, the reality that employees of those corporations will have to compete with international colleagues, colleagues trained in rigorous educational systems. Educators preparing students of today to participate in an economy of tomorrow need to be mindful of the training and background of those future colleagues.

Preparation for this global reality is part of the mission behind the formation of the Common Core State Standard Initiative. Released in early 2010, these core standards, called for by the Council of Chief State School Offices and the National Governors Association of Best Practices, are a successor to the College and Career Readiness Standards of 2009. In an attempt to create a uniform system of assessment for K—12 students, the Core Standards were developed with the following criteria: they must be research and evidence based; they must be aligned with college and work expectations; they must be clear, understandable and consistent; they must contain rigorous content and application of knowledge through high order skills; they must build upon the strengths and lessons of current state standards; and they must be informed by other top performing countries so that students are prepared to succeed in a global economy. As of late 2010, the Core Standards have been adopted by 40 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The Core Standards test students in English Language Arts and Mathematics. The Introduction to the Mathematics Standards notes that, “research studies of mathematics education in high-performing countries have pointed to the conclusion that the mathematics curriculum in the United States must become substantially more focused and coherent in order to improve mathematics achievement in this country (3).” The Language Arts Standards test students on Reading, Writing, and Speaking and Listening Skills, not only for Language Arts, but for History/Social Studies and Science and Technical Subjects as well. Language Arts Reading tests students on both literature and information texts. Writing standards require students to pay particular attention to argument, narrative, research, and production and distribution of writing.

We who are entrusted with the creation of educational product are committed to designing lessons that will both engage students and rigorously prepare them for the Core Standards. In doing so, we will prepare students for all of the challenges that lie ahead for them in a global economy.