Arizona Common Core State Standards Assessment and Accountability Guide latest of state-specific resources to be released

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (Sept. 25, 2013)—As part of its ongoing commitment to support parents and educators as the Common Core State Standards are implemented in classrooms across the country, National PTA® is pleased to announce the launch of Common Core State Standards Assessment and Accountability Guides. The guides are being developed for every state that has adopted the Common Core State Standards and will serve as a valuable educational tool as states transition to new standards-aligned assessments in the coming years. National PTA is pleased to announce the release of the Arizona Assessment and Accountability Guide.  

“National PTA has played a leading role in educating families and communities about the Common Core State Standards and is committed to supporting parents and educators every step of the way as states transition to the standards,” said Otha Thornton, National PTA President. “The need for raising awareness and increasing understanding of the standards remains a high priority. We are excited to launch the new guides focused on assessments and accountability systems to help ensure that parents are knowledgeable about the standards and new assessments.”

Developed in collaboration with the Center for Strategic Research and Communication, the Common Core State Standards Assessment and Accountability Guides feature information in parent-friendly language, including background on the standards and state-specific information about their assessment consortium, the testing timeline, sample test questions, impacts on students, new accountability systems and ways for parents to get involved and support their child’s learning at home. The guides will be available in English and Spanish online at www.PTA.org/studentsuccess. They will be rolled out throughout 2014.

The Assessment and Accountability Guides are a companion to National PTA’s popular Parent’s Guide to Student Success, which has been used throughout the nation by parents, school districts, community partners and departments of education. The grade-by-grade guide explains the Common Core State Standards and key items that children should be learning in English and math, features activities parents can do at home to support their child’s learning, and highlights questions parents can ask their child’s teacher.

Since it began its work on the Common Core State Standards in 2009, 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. 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.