The Common Core State Standards Initiative is a state-led effort that established a single set of clear educational standards that 45 states, including California, have voluntarily adopted.  The California Common Core State Standards (CCCSS) provide a framework for educators to ensure that students demonstrate college and career readiness so that they be be successful competing in the global economy.  The CCCSS set guidelines and describe what students should know and be able to do as they progress from Transitional Kindergarten through 12th grade.  In addition, the standards define the knowledge and skills that students are expected to gain and master in each grade level.  The CCCSS are more rigorous than the previous state academic standards and have a greater emphasis on  critical thinking, writing, communication skills, creativity, and the use of technology.  

The CCCSS require students to justify their answers with evidence from text, to analyze, critique and evaluate texts and problem solutions and to demonstrate depth of knowledge that includes conceptual understanding.  As a result, students will be asked to approach problems from multiple perspectives and demonstrate ability to solve problems in more than one way.  The implementation of CCCSS requires teachers to approach content and instruction in a different manner to ensure students are exposed to the rigor necessary for success and mastery of standards.  There are a number of things parents can do to support student mastery of CCCSS and to support learning at home.  The sections to the left provide information to support parent understanding of the CCCSS standards.