ALEXANDRIA, Va. (Oct. 7, 2013) — The release of findings from a poll by Scholastic and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation on teachers’ attitudes toward the Common Core State Standards aligns closely with National PTA’s support of the standards, demonstrating a clear need for academic benchmarks that raise the bar and prepare all students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in college and careers.
“As the largest child advocacy association in the country, National PTA stands beside teachers in supporting academic standards that increase rigor in every school and provide nationwide consistency for what all students need to know to be prepared for postsecondary education, today’s workplace and to compete in the global economy,” said Otha Thornton, National PTA President. “National PTA has played a leading role in educating families and communities about the Common Core State Standards, and we stand firm in our position to support educators and parents every step of way as the standards are implemented in classrooms across the country.”
More than 70 percent of teachers surveyed indicated that they are enthusiastic about the implementation of the Common Core State Standards in their classrooms, believing the standards will hold students and teachers to higher expectations, improve students’ ability to think critically and use reasoning skills, and provide nationwide consistency in a positive way. Teachers also expect the standards to improve student achievement by preparing them with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in college and careers.
Since 2009, National PTA has firmly supported the development and implementation of the Common Core State Standards, maintaining that every child deserves a high quality education that prepares him or her for success upon graduation from high school. National PTA, in line with the attitudes of the teachers polled, is confident that the Common Core State Standards are an essential tool to ensure that America’s youth are prepared to compete globally and excel in their studies and the workplace.
National PTA remains committed to supporting parents and educators as states transition to the Common Core. Since it began its work on the standards, National PTA and its volunteers nationwide have educated more than 2.8 million people and conducted trainings for more than 38,000 people on the standards. National PTA also has developed a wide variety of resources for parents and educators to ensure they are knowledgeable about the standards and new assessments, including the Parent’s Guide to Student Success and Common Core State Standards Assessment and Accountability Guides. The guides and other resources are available in English and Spanish at PTA.org/studentsuccess.
As recognized by teachers through Scholastic and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation survey, implementation of the Common Core State Standards will be challenging, but with continued support and resources, positive outcomes will be seen and the bar will be raised to ensure all children are prepared for success following high school. For more information on National PTA’s efforts to raise awareness, increase understanding and support the transition to the Common Core State Standards, and to view the Common Core State Standards Assessment and Accountability Guides and Parent’s Guide to Student Success, visit PTA.org
About National PTA
National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of parent involvement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.