The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) were developed by the states through an initiative of the National Governors Association and the council of state chief school officials. Their plan was to develop one common set of goals and standards focusing on essentials skills to be used across all states. As stated by the developers, “The standards are designed to be robust and relevant to the real world, reflecting the knowledge and skills that our young people need for success in college and careers.

The Florida Department of Education participated in the development of these new standards which are for English language arts and math. The FDOE reviewed, helped revise and then adopted the final Common Core State Standards in 2010. These Standards will be fully implemented in all public schools in Florida, including Seminole County, in the 2014-15 school year.

However, each local school district must design the instructional plans and select the content which will be used in the classroom to help students to learn and develop the skills required by the new standard. The district, with FDOE assistance, provides training in the new standards and teachers in their Professional Learning Communities develop curriculum for their particular subject and grade level.

A primary concern is the creation of a common test to assess whether students have met the goals and acquired the skills listed in the CCSS.

Principal Speakers

Dr. Anna-Marie Cote Deputy superintendent, instructional excellence and equity, Seminole County Public Schools Web | Bio

K.T. Caldwell President, Seminole Education Association Web

Extended Interviews

Dr. Anna-Marie Cote with Desta Horner Length – 24:36

K.T. Caldwell with Desta Horner Length – 29:54