California Common Core State Standards (CCCSS) are learning goals that clearly state which skills and knowledge children should master at each grade level to ensure they will be prepared for post-secondary education and careers after high school. On August 2, 2010, the State Board of Education adopted the CCCSS. CCCSS differ from the standards of prior years because they focus on developing students’ critical thinking and analytical skills — the kind of skills employers and universities demand, and will be necessary for work in the 21st century.

Since learning is a developmental process — that is, students must master content and skills at each grade level to be prepared to learn the more demanding concepts presented at higher grades — frequent review and assessment will continue to be critical to ensuring all children are achieving. 

You will find more extensive documentation and information at the California Department of Education Common Core website at:

http://www.cde.ca.gov/re/cc/

Follow direct links below to find: 

Common Core State Standards Resources for Parents and Guardians

Common Core State Standards Mathematics Resources

Common Core English Language Arts Resources

Common Core State Standards and California English Language Development Standards Resources

Please note that while the Common Core standards identify learning goals for students, they do not dictate how teachers should teach. As always, teachers’ relationships to their students remain at the heart of student learning, and SSD will continue to employ the best combination of the most promising research- and evidence-based instructional innovations with time-tested traditional teaching methods to ensure that every student has just what he or she needs for learning success.