New online resources are now available to explain the California State Standards in Mathematics, English Language Arts/Literacy and English Language Development, often referred to as Common Core.

The resources include brochures that describe the standards for parents and others and can be used for back-to-school nights, parent-teacher conferences, open houses and other school events. They can be found here under the Content Standards tab on the California Department of Education (CDE) website.

Under the Frameworks tab in the same location, educators and others can find executive summaries and complete documents of California’s education frameworks, which explain how to teach California standards.

These resources are part of the CDE’s efforts to implement the new academic standards, which are part of an overall plan to upgrade California’s education system so that students are better prepared to succeed in college and 21st century careers. Another key step took place earlier this year when Torlakson created the CDE Standards Support Office directed by Brent Malicote, a former principal and teacher.

“The CDE is committed to explaining the standards to parents, teachers, students, and community members so they understand them and the important role they play in improving education. The content standards define the knowledge, concepts and skills that students should acquire at each grade level,” said Torlakson. “By emphasizing analytical thinking, problem-solving and communications skills the standards help students acquire the skills they need to have for college and the new economy.”

The brochures resulted from a collaboration including the State Board of Education (SBE), CDE, the California County Superintendents Educational Services Association (CCSESA), and the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE). Funding support came from the S.D. Bechtel Jr. Foundation, Charles and Helen Schwab Foundation and the Silver Giving Foundation.

Torlakson said the CDE will continue to work with those partners and others to provide more tools and resources about the standards for parents, educators, students and the entire community.