This year will be a landmark year in public education as 45 of the 50 states as well as three U.S. territories have now adopted and will begin implementing of the Common Core Standards in the American classroom. The Common Core, a nearly nationwide movement to increase accountability and the quality of student education, is promised to have a number of positive effects for all children in public schools; however, it is populations such as Hispanics and other at-risk students who may stand to benefit the most.

 

The Common Core State Standards are an initiative led by the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices and the Council of Chief State School Officers. These standards were developed by classroom teachers, school administrators and experts, in order to provide a consistent framework of instruction across the United States so that our children will be prepared for college and the workforce.

 

Common Core Standards: A basic overview

The Common Core State Standards are an initiative led by the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices and the Council of Chief State School Officers.

These standards were developed by classroom teachers, school administrators and experts, in order to provide a consistent framework of instruction across the United States so that our children will be prepared for college and the workforce.

The Common Core standards explain what knowledge and skills students need to acquire before leaking the K-12 classroom.

These standards have been written in a clear and consistent manner, and are evidence or research-based. They call for deeper application of knowledge and higher order thinking skills in order to ensure future success in college, modern society or the workplace.

How will students benefit from the Common Core Standards?

Hispanic students and other at-risk students stand to benefit the most from implementation of the Common Core standards, as they provide new opportunities for Latino and at-risk students.

These populations are often the students who are most affected by low standards. With the Common Core, the guidelines for learning are more rigorous than what many states formerly had in place.

With the unifying of standards across the nation, students who are transient or relocate from one community or state to another will have less likelihood of losing out on valuable skills as the skills taught will be the same across city, county and state lines. (Shutterstock photos)

As a result, at risk populations, such as Latinos, are receiving a more quality education that is based on standards being implemented across the nation. These higher standards will put students on a better path toward being prepared for the challenges of college and the future workplace, regardless of where they live or attend school.

In addition, with the unifying of standards across the nation, students who are transient or relocate from one community or state to another will have less likelihood of losing out on valuable skills as the skills taught will be the same across city, county and state lines.

With a unified system such as the Common Core, teachers will also have greater access to a plethora of training materials and resources for effective teaching of the standards. With 45 states on board to implement these standards, the pool of available resources and collaboration ability will be greatly widened.

 A brighter future ahead

This year, Pew Research Center reported that Hispanic students have made great gains in the area of college enrollment, making them the largest minority group on college campus across the nation. Still, they lag behind other groups in the area of college degrees awarded. With the implementation of the Common Core, however, this gap may soon be narrowed further.

According to numerous reports and data compiled by the Pew Research Center, the academic success of Latino students is a must if the U.S. economy seeks to remain intact. The Latino population represents a steadily growing amount of the school population and future workforce. According to the Pew Research Center, by the year 2050, it is estimated that Latinos will make up more than half of the American workforce.

As a result, it is important not only that the Common Core Standards are implemented, but that the government and the nation as a whole, does what they can to support educators, principals, and superintendents in their work with these new standards.

To learn more about the Common Core Standards and Hispanic students, visit:

The National Council of La Raza

The Common Core Standards for English Language Learners

Colorin Colorado – A bilingual site for families and educators of English language learners

Common Core Myths vs. Facts