Schools around California are implementing the new Common Core State Standards. In math specifically, where significant disparities in proficiency exist for African American, Latino, and low-income students as compared to their white, Asian, and higher-income peers, these new standards provide an opportunity to close achievement and opportunity gaps. Our new report, “Changing the Equation Ensuring the Common Core Math Standards Enable All Students to Excel in California Schools”, describes both the challenges districts face in implementing the new math standards and best practices for addressing these challenges. Specific examples include ways to create a culture of high expectations for all students, models to support teachers as they design and implement rigorous curricula, and strategies to meaningfully engage students and parents with the standards. In highlighting practices from the field, the report illuminates how districts can ensure the standards not only raise the bar for all students but also help close achievement gaps for students of color and low-income students.
