As the Common Core State Standards were announced to the public in 2010, the nation's educators have had plenty of time to become familiar with them. Many of the states that have adopted the CCSS have made sure to train their teachers well ahead of their individual implementation deadlines.
For example, state deputy superintendents from 37 states said they have provided CCSS preparation materials to educators, according to a recently released report from the Center on Education Policy. With so many instructors thinking about the Standards on a daily basis, it's a given that they would form opinions about them, whether positive or negative. The results of a new National Education Association poll provide insight into teachers' feelings on the Common Core.
Majority of teachers accept the CCSS
Based on responses from educators, who also happen to be NEA members, more than 75 percent of them support the CCSS. Of these individuals, some believed in the educational impact of the Common Core wholeheartedly, while others supported them, but with some reservations.
"The new Standards are a game-changer for the students in our nation's public school system," said Dennis Van Roekel, president of the NEA. "Our members embrace the Common Core State Standards' promise – that all students will have the opportunity to learn the skills they need to succeed, regardless of where they live."
Applause for the Standards
Various aspects of the CCSS appeal to teachers. For instance, 38 percent of respondents are excited about the Common Core's clearer guidelines and education goals. Meanwhile, 27 percent of educators are glad the Standards will be aligned with the instruction they deliver.
"Our members support the Common Core Standards because they are the right thing to do for our children," said Van Roekel. "We all need to work together – parents, education support professionals, teachers, administrators, communities and elected officials – to make sure we get this right."
Some bad news
Unfortunately, not every response the NEA received was positive. For example, 98 percent of respondents had heard of the Standards, which means 2 percent of teachers are not familiar with the Common Core.
In addition, 26 percent of the two-thirds of educators who have received CCSS training did not view it as very helpful. As a result, teachers in schools that are transitioning to Common Core-aligned instruction may want to be open about their comfort level with the Standards before they teach lessons meant to be aligned with them.
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