Are your children dealing with the implementation of the Common Core Standards in their schools? If you are unsure exactly what the Common Core Standards are, or how they came about and are looking for resources to help you help your child, then you are in the right place. ALOHA has gathered information and resources to help.

Why Do I Need to Learn about the Common Core Now?

Many ALOHA parents have expressed confusion with recent implementation in many states of Common Core standards and how the changes may affect their child. Although first implemented as early as 2010, many states are just beginning to bring them on board for the 2014-2015 school year. And if your state implemented them earlier, there are new resources to help you help your child. To make the process more complicated, some states that started using the Common Core have changed their minds. See below to find out if your state is currently using the standards.*

What are the Common Core Standards?

Created by a national group of educators and other officials, the Common Core sets nationwide standards for what students should know in language arts/English and math at the end of each school year – Kindergarten through 12th grade – in U.S. schools. So that two students, in two towns, or one in a rural school and one in an urban school end up having learned the same concepts by year’s end. A somewhat controversial topic among educators, parents and politicians…love it or hate it, most U.S. children will have to deal with it. Although the standards are nationwide, each state has been allowed to handle the implementation of the standards. This video might help explain the “why” a bit better.

Three-Minute Video Explaining the Common Core State Standards from CGCS Video Maker on Vimeo. This video is courtesy of http://www.cgcs.org, The Council of the Great City Schools .

In case the video does not show in this post with your browser, click here to view it online.

The original Common Core Website is a good starting point to find information. There, parents can find details on the language arts/English and math standards. See more resources and tips below. From the site: “State education chiefs and governors in 48 states came together to develop the Common Core, a set of clear college- and career-ready standards…. Today, 43 states have voluntarily adopted and are working to implement the standards, which are designed to ensure that students graduating from high school are prepared to take credit bearing introductory courses in two- or four-year college programs or enter the workforce.” See below if your state has adopted the Common Core standards.*

 How Might the Standards Affect my Children?

If implemented in your state, the Common Core might affect your child by the way math, especially, and language arts are being taught. The amount and type of homework and the way tests are being given may also change.

How can I help my Child Adapt to the Common Core?

●    The Common Core sometimes uses different or new teaching methods to approach familiar subjects. So be sure to read all materials and homework that comes home with your child. Reading and understanding how things are being taught, can help you…help your child.

●    Have a consistent homework routine. Getting your children into a homework routine can really help them handle any increase in homework.

●    Have a consistent homework environment. Having a designated area for children to study, away from major distractions, but where you can also be nearby to assist is helpful.

●    Sometimes Common Core work and homework may not fit each child’s developmental level. Be an involved parent. If your child is struggling, this may be the issue. Ask your child’s teacher for tips on how to help your child with this issue.

ALOHA’s and Reading | Writing Programs are Another Resource to Help Children Get a Handle on the Common Core
Reinforcing classroom instruction, general knowledge, and test-taking strategies the skills that are presented in ALOHA’s Reading | Writing program also help children to increase their performance and to gain confidence. The Common Core standards have brought new testing procedures to schools. As students get used to the new standards, testing anxiety can also be a problem. Our Reading | Writing program can help students become familiar and more comfortable with the test-taking process. Students learn to pace themselves in order to complete the assignments in the allotted time frame, just as in the new standardized testing process.

Common Core Resources for Parents:

• The National PTA also has created short, easy-to-read Common Core guides explaining standards at each grade level. The documents also provide tips on how parents can help at home.
• From Scholastic: http://commoncore.scholastic.com/parents/basics
• The Parent’s section of the Common Core site: http://commoncore.org/parents
• http://www.corestandards.org/about-the-standards/myths-vs-facts/

*Is My State Using the Common Core Standards?

Seven states and one territory, AK, IL, IN, NE, OK, TX, VA, and Puerto Rico have not currently voluntarily fully adopted the Common Core Standards. For general details on your state click here http://www.corestandards.org/standards-in-your-state/. So you are aware, some states which originally implemented the Common Core are trying to repeal or adapt the standards. Here is an outside website with more up to date map at a glance: To be sure, you can also check your school’s website, or your state’s department of education’s website: http://wdcrobcolp01.ed.gov/Programs/EROD/org_list.cfm?category_ID=SEA. For a more Academic Benchmarks; this interactive map reflects more up to date changes than the common core website’s map.