Connecticut educators discuss the CCSS with parents

Some parents believe that the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) will decide what their children can and cannot learn about in school. This is not the case. The purpose of the CCSS is to provide K-12 educators with a clear set of expectations in the areas of English language arts and mathematics, according to the Standards' website. However, teachers have not lost the ability to create their own lesson plans or put their own spin on instruction.

For parents, it may be most helpful to get a sense of what CCSS-aligned instruction will be like to see what a few educators have to say about it. For example, officials from Connecticut's Darien Public Schools recently met with parents to discuss the Common Core, according to the Patch website for Darien, Conn. During this meeting, there was a focus on how teaching will change.

Luke Forshaw, the principal at Ox Ridge School, used the example of a third-grade class learning about praying mantises. Under the CCSS, these children will be required to go deeper than they ever have before. Instead of just memorizing a few facts about the insects, students may be asked a series of questions that really make them think about praying mantises. For instance, maybe they would think about pesticides and how they affect these insects.