The Common Core Sate Standards (CCSS) implemented in 2010 have brought significant change to the entire country. More than forty states, including California, have began the long and tedious transition into adopting the newly-developed, common academic standards that aims to bring the highest level of student achievement. In California, several independent reviews claim that the CCSS is not much different than the California State Standards. While the CCSS covers fewer topics, the new standards require a deeper understanding from the student. This understanding can only be accomplished through the use of academic language. The most significant change to the academic standards has been felt in mathematics. Students are no longer expected …show more content…
From adjusting their style of teaching to creating revamped lesson plans and getting familiar with new textbooks, to attending professional development meetings on and off campus, the transition has been a challenge. When most people think about mathematics, they think about computing numbers and symbols. Mathematics is more than just that, and the CCSS is making sure we are all aware of that fact. As discussed by Mongeau (2014) “By removing memorization standards and requiring teachers to cover fewer topics over the course of a year, the new standards are also meant to encourage teachers to spend more time on the underlying concepts behind mathematical concepts.” The end result of this will be that memorization will no longer be enough to meet the CCSS’s subject content. Teachers who are accustomed to using little math language to teach and talk about math concepts will now have to adapt. Avoiding academic terms to explain concepts and processes will be incredibly harmful to students in the long …show more content…
With an emphasis on abstract concepts behind mathematical concepts, language will now become a centerpiece in the classroom, regardless of whether a teacher is teaching trigonometry or Victorian literature. The unqualified truth is that the CCSS is here to stay, for now, thus it is important to accept the change and smoothen the transition for not only the students but the teachers whose mission is to educate future generations. With the CCSS standards adding layers of urgency and focus to the quality of classroom interaction, between educator and student, and group discussion, encouraging language mastery and asking questions is step