The Common Core State Standards are a set of core understandings we want our students to have in order to be prepared for college and careers.  These standards are a starting point for transforming the way we practice the art of teaching and for building stronger conversations among teachers, grade levels/departments, schools, districts, and states.  The standards will provide a consistent set of expectations for all learners.

Ventura Unified School District will focus on developing a shared foundational understanding of the Common Core State Standards.  Our goal is to develop a working knowledge of the new standards and their effects on teaching and learning for all students.

The office of Curriculum & Instruction has designed this web page as a resource for teachers and parents.  We hope these resources will provide useful tools that will promote conversations and collaboration around the Common Core State Standards and use them to guide decisions about rigorous teaching, learning, and assessment.

The Common Core State Standards provide a consistent, clear understanding of what students are expected to learn, so teachers and parents know what they need to do to help them.  The standards are designed to be robust and relevant to the real world, reflecting the knowledge and skills that our young people need to for success in college and careers.  With American students fully prepared for the future, our communities will be best positioned to compete successfully in the global economy.

Educational standards help teachers ensure their students have the skills and knowledge they need to be successful by providing clear goals for student learning.

We need standards to ensure that all students, no matter where they live, are prepared for success in post secondary education and the workforce.  Common standards will help ensure that students are receiving a high quality education consistently, from school to school and state to state.  Common standards will provide a greater opportunity to share experiences and best practices within and across states that will improve our ability to best serve the needs of students.

Standards do not tell teachers how to teach, but they do help teachers figure out the knowledge and skills their students should have so that teachers can build the best lessons and environments for their classrooms.  Standards also help students and parents by setting clear and realistic goals for success.  Standards are a first step - a key building block - in providing our young people with a high-quality education that will prepare them for success in college and work.  Of course, standards are not the only thing that is needed for our children's success, but they provide an accessible roadmap for our teachers, parents, and students.