Who supports the Common Core?

The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) have been adopted by 44 states and the District of Columbia. The Standards are still relatively new, as far as educational endeavors go, but they have garnered support from many educators. In fact, numerous surveys indicate that people working in education feel that the CCSS are a step in the right direction for U.S. schools. Here's a look at who is in support of the Common Core:

Administrators and superintendents 
According to a survey conducted by the American Association of School Administrators (AASA), a majority of leaders in K-12 schools firmly believe that the Common Core will help improve the quality of American education. The survey asked more than 500 administrators and superintendents in 48 states for their opinions. 

While school leaders largely support the implementation of the CCSS, these professionals also agree that the process is moving too quickly. Many feel that states have tried to add a lot of new goals to curricula too quickly. Educators would prefer that states implement the Common Core piece by piece, supporting administrators, superintendents and teachers along the way. In fact, a majority of school staff revealed that they were only somewhat prepared for the CCSS. 

Principals
School principals specifically also support the Common Core. A survey conducted by the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), reflected the views of 1,000 principals in 14 states, each of which has adopted the Standards. The survey results are incredibly similar to the AASA report, as principals adamantly support the CCSS but feel they lack necessary preparation. 

"While principals support the Common Core and are committed to leading the instructional shifts and changes in classroom activities that are required, the information from this survey is clear: States and districts must direct attention to preparing principals and supporting their instructional leadership needs," Gail Connelly, executive director of NAESP, said in a statement. "NAESP hopes that state and local leaders will see the urgent need to help principals gain the appropriate knowledge, tools, and resources in order to continue to make progress on the implementation of Common Core. Otherwise, the long-term vision of the initiative will never be fully realized." 

Slowing down and supporting schools
Both surveys suggest that educators believe the Common Core will help improve U.S. education, but also desire greater preparation measures and slower implementation. Whether that will occur is ultimately up to the states that have adopted the Common Core.