Nine Ways the Common Core Will Change Classroom Practice

William Schmidt found that most teachers have read and like the Common Core State Standards.  He also discovered that most math teachers believe the Common Core Standards are “pretty much the same” as the standards they are currently using.  William says that these teachers need to look close because the new standards are different in many ways.  One change is that the Standards want the teacher to focus on fewer topics and explain them in more depth.  The Common Core Standards states that all mathematics education is of the same importance.  In English Language Arts the Standards call for students to read more nonfiction.  Students will be expected to red more complex material.  Students will need to be able to demonstrate that they can listen and speak effectively.  States are starting to organize campaigns to inform teachers about the Standards and give them sample lessons dealing with the Common Core State Standards.