Toward a Common Understanding of the Common Core

The current debate about educational standards and assessments has forced government officials, educators, parents, and students to take a serious look at the American education system and evaluate what students should know in order to be prepared for college and careers in the global economy. Toward a Common Understanding of the Common Core chronicles the history of the Common Core State Standards Initiative and the Massachusetts experience with education reform. The report analyzes the arguments raised against the Common Core and offers a factual basis for review. It also offers a number of recommendations for improving the implementation of the revised Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks based on the Common Core and the implementation of the PARCC tests.