Veteran Educators on Common Core State Standards

As the leaders of districts, superintendents are well-positioned to provide guidance and critical voices of support in the transition to higher academic standards. The veteran educators featured here this week know that the transition to the Common Core is right for the students that they serve. 

Common Core: this reform could actually work

By Barry R. Groves, San Jose Mercury News 

August 15, 2014 

"As a 37-year public school veteran, 22 as a superintendent in Santa Clara County, I have observed many educational reforms over the years with many changes in mathematics pedagogy. Unlike most past reform efforts, I am optimistic that this year will be different with these coherent, focused and rigorous standards and assessments.  

"There is agreement that the United States is woefully behind other countries on international mathematics assessments. The California State University system mathematics proficiency rate for incoming freshmen is an anemic 70 percent. A majority of students who enter the community college system require a remedial mathematics course. There is no doubt that California needs to produce more mathematically successful students if it is to remain internationally competitive.  

"The Common Core strives to improve college readiness and help close the preparation gap for California's students and ensure a cohesive transition from K-12 to higher education."

And,  

"In a high school district like ours, where 70 percent of our students go to a four-year college, and 20 percent live in poverty, we are optimistic that the Common Core -- coupled with strong teacher development and adequate resources -- will result in all students becoming proficient in these more rigorous standards."

Dr. Barry R. Groves is superintendent of the Mountain View Los Altos High School District. 

Marin Voice: Helping children become lifelong learners

By Michael Watenpaugh and Natu Tuatagaloa, Marin Independent Journal 

September 6, 2014  

"As we join the nation in shifting to Common Core standards, students will face rigor every day, but they also will be provided with support to be successful. We are dedicated to the children we serve and want them to have their greatest academic year ever.

"Common Core is not a curriculum, but is a set of shared goals and expectations for what students should know and be able to do in each subject in each grade. In California, the state Board of Education decides on the standards for all students, from kindergarten through high school. The department helps schools make sure that all students are meeting the standards. In 2010, more than 40 states adopted Common Core state standards for English and math.  

"Our local implementation may look slightly different from that of other districts, and Common Core was designed so that local experts (our instructional leaders and teachers) have some flexibility in the best ways to reach and teach our students."

And,  

"Our greatest efforts will be in helping students take responsibility for their own learning.  

"The reason is that we want children to excel, to be excited about learning and to become lifelong learners.  

"Our entire San Rafael City Schools team is singularly focused on helping children achieve so they can reach their dreams. Education is the gateway to success in life."

Michael Watenpaugh is superintendent of San Rafael City Schools. Natu Tuatagaloa is president of the district's Board of Education.  

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Achieve has developed materials to help states, districts, and others understand the organization and content of the standards and the content and evidence base used to support the standards. Visit http://www.achieve.org/achieving-common-core. 

If you find a news clip supportive of the Common Core, please send it to Chad Colby at ccolby@achieve.org.