The Oregon State Board of Education adopted the Common Core State Standards, which represents K-12 learning expectations for students in English-language arts and mathematics. In addition, the state board also voted to increase math achievement standards by increasing the “cut score.” The new achievement standards go into effect immediately for this school year, while the Common Core will be phased in over the coming years.

The Common Core Standards is a state-led effort coordinated by the National Governor’s Association and the Council of Chief State School Officers. Oregon became involved in the project last year when State Superintendent of Schools Susan Castillo and Governor Theodore Kulongoski signed on to the initiative along with representatives from 48 other states and two territories. The Common Core State Standards for grades K-12 were developed in collaboration with a variety of stakeholders including content experts, higher education faculty, teachers, school administrators, and parents. Oregon joins 40 states and territories that have adopted, or indicated they will adopt, the CCSS.

The State Board’s vote to increase math achievement standards by increasing the “cut score” is anticipated to lower the percentage of students meeting math standards on annual state assessments. Increasing the level of math students are expected to know in elementary and middle school is intended to create better alignment between the lower grades and the new high school graduation requirements for math. Fewer students meeting the achievement standard will not mean students know less than they did the year before or that they are doing worse in school. The new achievement standards require a higher level of mastery of mathematics information and concepts.

What’s Next?
Students could begin seeing Common Core Standards as soon as the 2011-12 school year. The Common Core Standards will not entirely replace Oregon’s existing standards as many of the Common Core Standards are contained in existing Oregon content standards. A statewide task force will begin working on an implementation blueprint soon.