{"id":354822,"date":"2016-04-04T10:45:13","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:45:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/education\/curriculum-standards-school-funding\/common-core-and-the-law.html"},"modified":"2025-03-19T09:50:02","modified_gmt":"2025-03-19T14:50:02","slug":"common-core-and-the-law","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/curriculum-standards-school-funding\/common-core-and-the-law.html","title":{"rendered":"Common Core and the Law"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Common Core and the Law<\/h1>\n
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\n By Jade Yeban, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Common Core is a set of academic standards designed to unify educational benchmarks across the United States. It focuses primarily on mathematics and English Language Arts (ELA). Developed by the National Governors Association and the Council of Chief State School Officers, these standards aim to prepare students for higher education and careers.<\/blockquote>\r\n

The Common Core State Standards Initiative<\/a> (Common Core) refers to a set of guidelines intended to steer schools toward common benchmarks for accomplishment. The program details the kind of materials to be covered and the acceptable scores for advancement. It aligns with graduation requirements and curriculum materials. It streamlines educator preparation, professional development, and data systems. Common Core standardizes education from kindergarten to high school graduation. The keystone of the program is a heavy focus on mathematics and literacy.<\/p>\r\n

Most states adopted Common Core standards<\/a> within a few months of its introduction in 2010. This decision was influenced by the fact that to qualify for federal Race to the Top grants, states were required to adopt internationally benchmarked standards and assessments. Common Core was not the only program that would meet this requirement, but early adoption would earn extra points over those available for self-created or other standards.<\/p>\r\n

It’s important to note, however, that a minority of states have not adopted Common Core standards. These states include Alaska, Nebraska, Oklahoma (repealed in 2014), Texas, and Virginia. Let’s explore Common Core standards in more detail below.<\/p>\r\n

What Is Common Core?<\/h2>\r\n

Common Core is a set of academic standards adopted by many public schools around the United States. It’s like a checklist of what students should know and be able to do at each grade level. The National Governors Association and the Council of Chief State School Officers created these standards. They wanted students to be ready for higher education and careers when they graduate.<\/p>\r\n

Even though we have federal government agencies like the U.S. Department of Education, education is primarily a state issue. So, the Common Core isn’t a national curriculum. Instead, each state decides whether to adopt these standards. The State Board of Education will make this decision. If they say yes, local school districts can make their plans to fit Common Core into the school year.<\/p>\r\n

What Subjects Are Covered?<\/h2>\r\n

The Common Core focuses on "core" subjects, which the developers have determined to be English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics. The program doesn’t provide specific texts or lessons that need to be taught but instead focuses on the concepts to be taught using whatever texts are necessary. The program might also recommend instructional materials and education standards for these areas.<\/p>\r\n

Key content standards in ELA include:<\/p>\r\n