The Common Core State Standards Initiative

The Common Core State Standards Initiative:

Moving State Assessments in a New Direction

Steven L. Maltby
maltby@k-state.edu
620-437-6443
Kansas State University

I am from a small rural town in the Midwest. I received my Bachelor of Science degree in
Elementary Education from Emporia State University in Emporia, Kansas. I have taught for
twelve years. Over that time, I have taught all the core subjects in grades four, five, and six. I
currently teach sixth grade and Im pursuing a masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction
specializing in Educational Computing, Design & Online Learning. I am interested in using best
practices to implement to use of technology in the classroom.

EDCI 803: Curriculum Development

Dr. Jeong-Hee Kim
July 12, 2013

The Common Core State Standards Initiative

Introduction
Purpose of the paper
Literature Review
Discussions and Conclusion
The objective of this research paper is to gain a better understanding of the development of the
Common Core State Standards Initiative (CCSS). As a homeroom teacher, I have been given a
great deal of time by my district to unpack and explore the new standards that will guide my
instruction beginning in the fall of 2013. Very little time, however, has been devoted to the
development of the CCSS. This course has raised many questions about their origins and
implementation.
Driving Questions:

Who contributed to the development of the CCSS?

How was it decided what would be a part of CCSS (i.e. subjects, content of subjects,
grade level content)?

What is the philosophy behind the CCSS?

Why was a move from the current standards needed?

What are differences between current standards and CCSS?

Are there any concerns with the CCSS?

How will they be a more effectively prepare our students for their future?
CCSS was developed to be a shift from a traditional assessment design (standardized test) to a
more performance based design. This is a major shift in educational philosophy.

References
Adler, M. (2009). The paideia proposal. In D. Flinders & S. Thornton (Eds.), The curriculum
studies reader (3rd ed., p. 177). New York, NY: Routledge.
Branyon, J. (2013). Enacting a common core curriculum: The kenya study. Delta Kappa Gamma
Bulletin, 79(2), 40-46.
Dewey, J. (2001). The school and society & the child and the curriculum. Mineola, NY: Dover
Publications, Inc.
NGA Center. (20012). Common core state standards initiative. Retrieved from
http://www.corestandards.org/

The Common Core State Standards Initiative

Noddings, N. (2009). The false promise of the Paideia: A critical review of the paideia proposal.
In D. Flinders & S. Thornton (Eds.), The curriculum studies reader (3rd ed., p. 183-185). New
York, NY: Routledge.