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The Common Core State Standards Initiative (CCSSI) was formally launched in 2010, positing standardization of K-12 English language arts and mathematics curricula as its principal objective across participating states.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Common Core State Standards Initiative was launched in 2010 with the primary objective of establishing consistent K-12 grade-level expectations in English language arts and mathematics across the United States.
The National Governors Association (NGA) and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) functioned as the principal sponsors of the Common Core State Standards Initiative.
Answer: True
Explanation: The National Governors Association (NGA) and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) were the primary organizations that sponsored the development and dissemination of the Common Core State Standards Initiative.
The Common Core standards were specifically developed to encompass English language arts and mathematics, not a broad spectrum of academic subjects such as science, history, or physical education.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Common Core State Standards were intentionally focused on English language arts and mathematics, deliberately excluding other academic disciplines like science, history, and physical education.
A fundamental objective underpinning the Common Core initiative was the cultivation of skills in high school graduates requisite for success in credit-bearing college coursework or direct entry into the professional workforce.
Answer: True
Explanation: A key objective of the Common Core was to ensure that high school graduates possess the necessary skills to succeed in college-level courses or enter the workforce directly.
A movement to establish national educational standards for students across the country began in the 1990s, setting the stage for initiatives like the Common Core State Standards.
Answer: True
Explanation: The groundwork for national educational standards was laid in the 1990s, influencing subsequent developments such as the Common Core State Standards Initiative.
When announced on June 1, 2009, the initiative's stated purpose was to 'provide a consistent, clear understanding of what students are expected to learn, so teachers and parents know what they need to do to help them'.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Common Core standards were announced in June 2009 with the purpose of providing a clear and consistent understanding of learning expectations for educators and parents.
What was the primary objective of the Common Core State Standards Initiative when it was established in 2010?
Answer: To establish consistent K-12 grade-level expectations in English language arts and mathematics across the United States.
Explanation: The primary objective of the Common Core State Standards Initiative, established in 2010, was to institute consistent K-12 grade-level expectations nationwide for English language arts and mathematics proficiency at the conclusion of each academic year.
Which two organizations were the main sponsors of the Common Core State Standards Initiative?
Answer: The National Governors Association and the Council of Chief State School Officers.
Explanation: The Common Core State Standards Initiative was primarily sponsored by the National Governors Association (NGA) and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO).
Besides English language arts and mathematics, what broader goal did the Common Core initiative aim to achieve for high school graduates?
Answer: Prepare them for credit-bearing college courses or entry into the workforce.
Explanation: Beyond the specific curricula of English language arts and mathematics, the Common Core initiative aimed to articulate clear expectations for the competencies high school graduates require to be adequately prepared for credit-bearing college courses or immediate workforce assimilation.
What was the stated purpose of the Common Core standards when they were first announced in June 2009?
Answer: To ensure a consistent understanding of learning expectations for teachers and parents.
Explanation: When announced on June 1, 2009, the initiative's stated purpose was to 'provide a consistent, clear understanding of what students are expected to learn, so teachers and parents know what they need to do to help them'.
What was the primary focus of the Common Core State Standards Initiative?
Answer: English Language Arts and Mathematics.
Explanation: The Common Core State Standards Initiative primarily focused on English language arts and mathematics.
The developmental phase of the Common Core standards commenced in late 2008, initiated by the National Governors Association (NGA) through the convocation of a dedicated working group.
Answer: True
Explanation: Development of the Common Core standards began in late 2008 when the National Governors Association (NGA) convened a working group.
Prominent figures such as David Coleman and William McCallum were integral to the drafting process of the Common Core standards.
Answer: True
Explanation: David Coleman and William McCallum were among the key individuals involved in drafting the Common Core standards.
When did the National Governors Association (NGA) begin the process of developing the Common Core standards?
Answer: In late 2008, by convening a working group.
Explanation: The National Governors Association (NGA) convened the working group tasked with developing the Common Core standards in late 2008.
Which of the following individuals was NOT mentioned as a key writer of the Common Core standards?
Answer: Diane Ravitch
Explanation: Key individuals involved in the drafting of the Common Core standards included David Coleman, William McCallum, and Jason Zimba. Diane Ravitch is noted for her criticisms, not for drafting the standards.
Initially, 41 states and the District of Columbia adopted the Common Core State Standards Initiative.
Answer: True
Explanation: Initially, 41 states and the District of Columbia adopted the Common Core State Standards Initiative.
Texas, Oklahoma, and Alaska were among the states that did not initially adopt the Common Core State Standards.
Answer: True
Explanation: Texas, Oklahoma, and Alaska were among the states that did not initially adopt the Common Core State Standards.
Minnesota adopted the English Language Arts standards but rejected the Mathematics standards.
Answer: True
Explanation: Minnesota adopted the English Language Arts standards but rejected the Mathematics standards.
The federal Race to the Top program provided competitive grants, awarding extra points to states that adopted Common Core standards by August 2, 2010.
Answer: True
Explanation: The federal Race to the Top program offered competitive grants, assigning additional points to states that adopted Common Core standards by the August 2, 2010 deadline.
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) does not encourage states to adopt common academic standards; rather, it prohibits federal influence on such adoptions.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), enacted in December 2015, explicitly prohibited the Department of Education from influencing, incentivizing, or coercing state adoption of common academic standards, including the Common Core.
Indiana's approach was 'Repealed,' involving a pause and subsequent withdrawal, though the state retained many of the standards.
Answer: True
Explanation: Indiana paused implementation by law for a year and later withdrew in March 2014, though it retained many elements of the Common Core standards.
Kentucky was recognized as the inaugural state to implement Common Core standards, subsequently reporting notable enhancements in its graduation rates and college readiness metrics.
Answer: True
Explanation: Kentucky was the first state to implement Common Core standards, reporting significant improvements in graduation rates and college readiness.
Alabama's State school board voted to repeal, not adopt, the Common Core program.
Answer: True
Explanation: Alabama's State school board voted to drop the Common Core program.
Florida initially dropped Common Core and later adopted the Florida B.E.S.T. standards.
Answer: True
Explanation: Florida initially rescinded Common Core standards and subsequently adopted the Florida B.E.S.T. standards.
Minnesota adopted the English Language Arts standards but rejected the Mathematics standards.
Answer: True
Explanation: Minnesota adopted the English Language Arts standards but rejected the Mathematics standards.
Tennessee passed a law to phase out Common Core standards, implementing new standards for the 2017/2018 school year.
Answer: True
Explanation: Tennessee enacted legislation to phase out Common Core standards, introducing new standards for the 2017/2018 academic year.
Alaska, Nebraska, Texas, and Virginia are listed as states that did not join the Common Core initiative.
Answer: True
Explanation: Alaska, Nebraska, Texas, and Virginia are identified as states that did not initially adopt the Common Core initiative.
How many states and the District of Columbia initially joined the Common Core State Standards Initiative?
Answer: 41 states and the District of Columbia.
Explanation: Initially, 41 states and the District of Columbia adopted the Common Core State Standards Initiative.
Which of the following states was NOT among those that initially adopted the Common Core State Standards?
Answer: Texas
Explanation: Texas was among the states that did not initially adopt the Common Core State Standards, alongside Alabama, Oklahoma, Virginia, Alaska, and Nebraska.
What federal program offered incentives, such as extra points on grant applications, for states adopting Common Core standards by August 2, 2010?
Answer: Race to the Top.
Explanation: The federal Race to the Top program offered competitive grants, assigning additional points to states that adopted Common Core standards by the August 2, 2010 deadline.
How did the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) affect the federal government's ability to promote Common Core standards?
Answer: It prohibited the Department of Education from influencing state adoption of common standards.
Explanation: The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), enacted in December 2015, explicitly prohibited the Department of Education from influencing, incentivizing, or coercing state adoption of common academic standards, including the Common Core.
According to the source, which state was the first to implement Common Core standards and reported significant initial gains?
Answer: Kentucky
Explanation: Kentucky was the first state to implement Common Core standards, reporting significant improvements in graduation rates and college readiness.
What action did Alabama's State school board take regarding the Common Core program?
Answer: Voted to drop the program.
Explanation: Alabama's State school board voted to discontinue the Common Core program.
What was Minnesota's decision regarding the Common Core standards?
Answer: Adopted only the ELA standards.
Explanation: Minnesota adopted the English Language Arts standards but rejected the Mathematics standards.
Which states are listed as 'Non-members' in the adoption chart, indicating they did not join the Common Core initiative?
Answer: Alaska, Nebraska, Texas, Virginia
Explanation: Alaska, Nebraska, Texas, and Virginia are identified as states listed as 'Non-members' in the adoption chart, indicating they did not join the Common Core initiative.
Which state was noted for adopting only the English Language Arts standards but rejecting the Mathematics standards?
Answer: Minnesota
Explanation: Minnesota adopted the English Language Arts standards but rejected the Mathematics standards.
The Common Core English Language Arts standards encompass five key components: Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening, Language, and Media and Technology.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Common Core English Language Arts standards are structured around five principal components: Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening, Language, and Media and Technology.
Contrary to the notion of decreasing complexity, the Common Core ELA standards are designed to progressively increase the complexity of reading materials as students advance through higher grade levels.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Common Core ELA standards aim to foster a progressive development of reading comprehension skills by gradually increasing the complexity of texts students are expected to engage with as they advance through each grade level.
Exemplar texts within the Common Core ELA standards include works by authors such as Edgar Allan Poe and Robert Frost.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Common Core ELA standards incorporate 'exemplar texts' from a range of authors, including Edgar Allan Poe and Robert Frost.
Foundational reading skills specified for K-5 ELA standards include phonological awareness, phonics, word recognition, and fluency.
Answer: True
Explanation: For kindergarten through grade five, the ELA standards specify foundational reading skills encompassing print concepts, phonological awareness, phonics and word recognition, and fluency.
The foundational principle guiding the Common Core writing standards is the emphasis on constructing logical arguments supported by solid reasoning and relevant evidence, rather than prioritizing opinion writing or creative storytelling exclusively.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 'driving force' behind the Common Core writing standards is the emphasis on logical arguments, grounded in claims, supported by robust reasoning, and substantiated by relevant evidence, encompassing opinion writing within this framework.
The Common Core writing standards include expectations for both short, focused research projects and long-term, in-depth research, recognizing their importance for college and career readiness.
Answer: True
Explanation: Common Core writing standards expect students to engage in both short research projects and long-term research endeavors, crucial for college and career readiness.
The Common Core standards emphasize that students should gain, evaluate, and present complex information, ideas, and evidence through listening and speaking, with a particular focus on academic discussion.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Common Core standards emphasize active listening and the ability to evaluate and present complex information and ideas, moving beyond simple recall.
Vocabulary instruction within the Common Core standards is approached through a combination of conversations, direct instruction, and reading, aiming for students to determine word meanings and expand their usage.
Answer: True
Explanation: Vocabulary development under Common Core is achieved through a multifaceted approach including conversations, direct instruction, and extensive reading.
The Common Core ELA standards require specific foundational content for all students, including classic myths and stories from around the world, America's Founding Documents, foundational American literature, and the writings of Shakespeare.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Common Core ELA standards mandate foundational content such as classic myths, America's Founding Documents, foundational American literature, and Shakespeare's works.
Which of the following is NOT one of the five key components of the Common Core English Language Arts standards?
Answer: Critical Thinking
Explanation: The five key components of the Common Core English Language Arts standards are Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening, Language, and Media and Technology. Critical Thinking is an underlying skill but not listed as a distinct component.
What is the stated aim of the Common Core ELA standards regarding reading comprehension as students progress through grades?
Answer: To gradually increase the complexity of texts students are expected to read.
Explanation: The Common Core ELA standards aim to foster a progressive development of reading comprehension skills by gradually increasing the complexity of texts students are expected to engage with as they advance through each grade level.
The Common Core writing standards emphasize which of the following as a 'driving force'?
Answer: Emphasis on logical arguments, solid reasoning, and relevant evidence.
Explanation: The 'driving force' behind the Common Core writing standards is the emphasis on logical arguments, grounded in claims, supported by robust reasoning, and substantiated by relevant evidence, encompassing opinion writing within this framework.
Which of the following foundational texts are required under the Common Core ELA standards?
Answer: Classic myths, America's Founding Documents, and Shakespeare's writings.
Explanation: The Common Core ELA standards mandate foundational content such as classic myths, America's Founding Documents, foundational American literature, and Shakespeare's works.
The Common Core Mathematics standards were formulated to counteract the criticism that U.S. mathematics curricula were excessively broad and superficial ('a mile wide and an inch deep'), rather than narrow and lacking depth.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Common Core Mathematics standards were designed to address the criticism that U.S. math curricula were too broad and lacked depth, aiming for greater focus and coherence.
The Common Core Mathematics framework consists of Standards for Mathematical Practice and Standards for Mathematical Content.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Common Core Mathematics framework is comprised of two distinct sets of standards: the Standards for Mathematical Practice and the Standards for Mathematical Content.
The Standards for Mathematical Practice were adapted from the five process standards of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the five strands of proficiency in the U.S. National Research Council's 'Adding It Up' report.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Standards for Mathematical Practice were derived from foundational work by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the U.S. National Research Council.
High school mathematics under the Common Core framework is organized into six conceptual categories, not seven.
Answer: True
Explanation: High school mathematics under Common Core is organized into six conceptual categories: Number and Quantity; Algebra; Functions; Modeling; Geometry; and Statistics and Probability.
The three core 'key shifts' emphasized by the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics are focus, coherence, and rigor.
Answer: True
Explanation: The three core 'key shifts' in Common Core Mathematics are focus, coherence, and rigor.
The 'greater focus on fewer topics' shift in mathematics means concentrating deeply on the major work of each grade, rather than covering more topics superficially.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 'greater focus on fewer topics' shift in mathematics emphasizes deep understanding of core concepts rather than superficial coverage of numerous topics.
Mathematicians Edward Frenkel and Hung-Hsi Wu observed that U.S. math textbooks prior to Common Core were often incomprehensible and irrelevant, contributing to a crisis in mathematical education.
Answer: True
Explanation: Mathematicians Edward Frenkel and Hung-Hsi Wu observed that U.S. math textbooks were often incomprehensible and irrelevant before the Common Core initiative.
What criticism did mathematicians Edward Frenkel and Hung-Hsi Wu level against U.S. math textbooks prior to Common Core?
Answer: They were often incomprehensible and irrelevant.
Explanation: Mathematicians Edward Frenkel and Hung-Hsi Wu observed that U.S. math textbooks were often 'incomprehensible and irrelevant,' contributing to a 'deep crisis' in mathematical education.
What is the stated goal of the Common Core Mathematics standards in response to criticisms of U.S. math curricula?
Answer: To achieve greater focus and coherence, addressing the 'mile wide, inch deep' issue.
Explanation: The stated goal of the Common Core Mathematics standards is to address the prevalent criticism of U.S. math curricula being 'a mile wide and an inch deep' by fostering greater focus and coherence.
Which of the following is one of the eight Standards for Mathematical Practice?
Answer: Model with mathematics.
Explanation: Four of the eight Standards for Mathematical Practice are: Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them; Reason abstractly and quantitatively; Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others; and Model with mathematics.
How are the Common Core Mathematics standards categorized at the high school level?
Answer: Into six conceptual categories like Algebra, Geometry, and Statistics.
Explanation: High school mathematics under the Common Core framework is organized into six conceptual categories: Number and Quantity; Algebra; Functions; Modeling; Geometry; and Statistics and Probability.
What does the 'coherence' shift in Common Core Mathematics emphasize?
Answer: Linking mathematical topics and thinking across different grade levels.
Explanation: The 'coherence' shift in Common Core Mathematics emphasizes linking mathematical topics and thinking across different grade levels to build a cohesive understanding.
The Common Core standards aim to address the criticism that U.S. mathematics curricula were 'a mile wide and an inch deep' by promoting:
Answer: Greater focus and coherence.
Explanation: The Common Core Mathematics standards aim to address the criticism of U.S. math curricula being 'a mile wide and an inch deep' by promoting greater focus and coherence.
The Common Core State Standards are copyrighted by the NGA Center for Best Practices and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO), which control their use.
Answer: True
Explanation: The copyright for the Common Core State Standards is held by the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices and the CCSSO, requiring attribution unless adopted in whole by a state.
The WIDA Consortium develops standardized tests specifically for English Language Learners (ELLs) and aligns its standards with Common Core.
Answer: True
Explanation: The WIDA Consortium produces standardized assessments for English Language Learners (ELLs) and ensures its standards are aligned with the Common Core framework.
The development of multi-state assessments like PARCC and Smarter Balanced was driven by the need for standards-aligned testing mandated by the 'No Child Left Behind' Act.
Answer: True
Explanation: The impetus for developing multi-state assessments like PARCC and Smarter Balanced stemmed from the requirement for standards-aligned testing under the 'No Child Left Behind' Act.
The PARCC consortium primarily developed through-course assessments, whereas the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium focused on creating adaptive online exams.
Answer: True
Explanation: The PARCC consortium focused on through-course assessments, while the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium concentrated on developing adaptive online exams.
The Cato Institute articulated concerns that federal initiatives such as the Common Core were intended to facilitate the establishment of a national curriculum.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Cato Institute expressed concern that the federal government aimed to establish a national curriculum through initiatives like Common Core.
The Pioneer Institute study suggested that Common Core implementation failed to yield improvements in literacy and led to declines in numeracy.
Answer: True
Explanation: A study by the Pioneer Institute suggested that Common Core implementation did not lead to significant improvements in literacy and indicated a decline in numeracy.
According to data from the National Education Association (NEA), a significant majority of its teacher members indicated support for the Common Core State Standards.
Answer: True
Explanation: According to the National Education Association (NEA), 76% of its teacher members reported supporting the Common Core State Standards.
Diane Ravitch criticized the Common Core standards for never having been field-tested, raising questions about their efficacy, and highlighted concerns regarding the substantial financial expenditures associated with their implementation, particularly for online testing.
Answer: True
Explanation: Diane Ravitch criticized the Common Core standards for their lack of field-testing and questioned the high implementation costs.
Jonathan Kozol employed the metaphor 'cognitive decapitation' to describe the negative impact of Common Core, specifically its role in curriculum narrowing and the exclusion of vital subjects.
Answer: True
Explanation: Jonathan Kozol used the term 'cognitive decapitation' to describe the detrimental effect of the Common Core on curriculum breadth, particularly the exclusion of essential subjects.
A working paper analyzing National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) scores concluded that Common Core implementation resulted in a small yet statistically significant negative effect on fourth-grade reading and eighth-grade mathematics scores.
Answer: True
Explanation: A working paper analyzing NAEP data found that Common Core had a small but significant negative effect on fourth-grade reading scores.
Common reasons cited for implementation challenges include a lack of appropriate professional development for teachers, insufficient instructional materials, and the absence of Common Core-aligned assessments.
Answer: True
Explanation: Lack of appropriate professional development, insufficient materials, and absence of aligned assessments are cited as reasons for Common Core implementation challenges.
Who holds the copyright for the Common Core State Standards?
Answer: The National Governors Association Center for Best Practices and the CCSSO.
Explanation: The Common Core State Standards are copyrighted by the NGA Center for Best Practices and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO), which control their use.
What was the primary impetus for developing multi-state assessments like PARCC and Smarter Balanced?
Answer: To ensure compliance with 'No Child Left Behind' testing mandates for standards-aligned assessments.
Explanation: The impetus for developing multi-state assessments like PARCC and Smarter Balanced stemmed from the requirement for standards-aligned testing under the 'No Child Left Behind' Act.
Which consortium focused on creating 'adaptive online exams' for Common Core assessments?
Answer: Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium
Explanation: The Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium focused on developing adaptive online exams for Common Core assessments.
What concern did the Cato Institute raise regarding the federal government's role in promoting national standards?
Answer: That the federal government intended to create a national curriculum.
Explanation: The Cato Institute expressed concern that the federal government aimed to establish a national curriculum through initiatives like Common Core.
What did Jonathan Kozol metaphorically describe as 'cognitive decapitation' in relation to Common Core?
Answer: The exclusion of certain subjects from the curriculum, leading to unfulfilling education.
Explanation: Jonathan Kozol utilized the metaphor 'cognitive decapitation' to characterize the detrimental effect of the Common Core on curriculum breadth, specifically noting the exclusion of essential subjects and its impact on educational fulfillment.
Which of the following is cited as a common reason for challenges in implementing Common Core standards effectively?
Answer: Lack of appropriate professional development for teachers.
Explanation: Common reasons cited for implementation challenges include a lack of appropriate professional development for teachers, insufficient instructional materials, and the absence of Common Core-aligned assessments.
According to a working paper analyzing NAEP data, what was the effect of Common Core on fourth-grade reading scores?
Answer: A small but significant negative effect.
Explanation: A working paper analyzing National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) data concluded that Common Core implementation resulted in a small yet statistically significant negative effect on fourth-grade reading scores.
What criticism did Diane Ravitch voice regarding the Common Core standards themselves?
Answer: They had never been field-tested, raising questions about their effectiveness.
Explanation: Diane Ravitch criticized the Common Core standards for their lack of field-testing, raising questions about their efficacy.
What did the Pioneer Institute study suggest about the outcomes of Common Core implementation?
Answer: Declines in numeracy and failure to improve literacy.
Explanation: The Pioneer Institute study suggested that Common Core implementation failed to yield improvements in literacy and led to declines in numeracy.
What is the role of the WIDA Consortium in relation to Common Core?
Answer: It produces standardized tests for English Language Learners (ELLs) and aligns its standards with Common Core.
Explanation: The WIDA Consortium produces standardized assessments for English Language Learners (ELLs) and ensures its standards are aligned with the Common Core framework.