Many Americans still unfamiliar with the CCSS

Even though schools in states that adopted the Common Core State Standards have spent the past few years educating teachers and parents about the CCSS, far too many people are still unfamiliar with them. This is just one of the findings of the 45th annual PDK/Gallup Poll of the Public's Attitudes Toward the Public Schools.

Based on telephone interviews with a national sample of 1,001 American adults, 62 percent of respondents have never heard of the CCSS. Of individuals with children in public schools, fewer than half of them knew about the Standards.

In addition, many of those who are familiar with the Common Core have the wrong information. A popular misconception is that the federal government has forced states to adopt the CCSS. Others believe the Standards cover every academic subject.

"This is an important lens into the minds of parents across the country," Chris Minnich, executive director of the Council of Chief State School Officers, told The Washington Post. "It does appear from this data that we're going to need to have a more detailed conversation about what these Standards mean."