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The Illinois State Board of Education has adopted new Math and English Language Arts standards for K-12 education known as the New Illinois Learning Standards Incorporating the Common Core.

What is Common Core?

The Common Core State Standards Initiative is a state-led effort to provide a sigle set f clear standards for English Language Arts and Mathematics.

Will every grade have new standards?

Yes, there will be new ELA / Math Standards in grades K-12.

Why English Language Arts (ELA) and Math?

English Language Arts and Math were developed first because they teach skills which students build upon for other subjects. The work on Science and Social Studies has been started.

Will my child's teacher be doing anything different?

Teachers will be preparing their lesson with the new standards in mind and working fwith the students to help them achieve expectations.

Will expectations of my child change?

Students will be learning based on new standards, however, changes will be made gradually. Teachers will be working to make sure students are prepared for the next grade level, including new standards when appropriate.

How will I know when my school is teaching the new Standards?

Each school may have a different timeline for their school to use the new standards. Ask your child's teacher or principal about the new standards. New assessments based o new standards will replace ISAT and PSAE beginning in 2014.

How can I help my child?

Continue to talk to yur child about what they are learning. Talk to the teachers regularly about your child and how he or she is doing. Ask your child's teacher for suggestions on how to support school work at home.

Strengths of the New Common Core

Parents will know what is expected of their children at each grade level.
Standards give parents specific information when talking with teachers during the school year.
Standards assure parents their children have access to the same high-quality education as other students in lllinois and in other parts of the country.
Parts will know that their child is learning skills and knowledge to be successful in the 21st century.