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Essay / The Importance of Common Core Standards in Formal Education
The education system is constantly evolving. The State Board of Education is constantly looking for ways to improve the system. Some methods demonstrate great success, others do not. Lately, there has been a lot of controversy over the Common Core Standards. Many feel that using these standards is not beneficial. However, despite what many people think and say, the Common Core Standards are changing the way students learn in the best possible way. The use of the Common Core must continue in schools. Say no to plagiarism. Get a custom essay on "Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned"? Get the original essay The creation of the Common Core Standards began in 2009, involving educators, standards experts, researchers, and members of the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO). The purpose of creating these standards was to prepare all students for the future and create consistency across all states. “Unlike previous national standards, which varied widely from state to state, the Common Core allows for collaboration among states on a range of tools and policies” (CCSSO and NGA Center). In order to maintain consistency while achieving maximum proficiency, these individuals established goals based on the highest state standards that already existed, "[providing] clear and consistent learning objectives to help prepare students for the “college, career and life” (CCSSO and NGA). Center). Many people seem to reject these new standards. This may be due to misinformation and lack of communication. Or maybe they just need to give the Common Core State Standards a chance. Either way, standards are here to stay, at least for now, and they're bringing some changes. The Common Core Standards clearly define what students are expected to learn. “The Common Core is very specific about the skills and processes that students must be able to demonstrate” (Gardner and Powell 52). This precision allows parents and teachers to easily address and resolve problems, and also makes it much easier for teachers to establish a curriculum without worrying about what material is being taught and what material is not as important. “Teachers at all levels. . . One should be aware that the standards for each grade level provide an indication of the content that is expected before and after” (Saunders et al. 24). This will prepare students for the future and give them a strong foundation for life because “these standards are aligned with the expectations of colleges, workforce training programs, and employers.” The standards promote equity by ensuring that all students are well prepared to collaborate and compete with their peers in the United States and abroad” (CCSSO and NGA Center). Change can be difficult to accept, but it is often a good thing. Many people think that since what schools are currently doing seems to be working, there is nothing to change. However, there is always room for improvement. Using the Common Core Standards, schools work to reduce the number of uneducated adults by preventing them from occurring in the first place. Although many of the procedures seen in the Common Core are different from those seen in the past, they have clear initiatives that will benefit students. “With students, parents and teachers all on the same page and working together towards common goals, we 11).