New Standards raise expectations for all students
The Michigan Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and its Livonia Council will hold a meeting to discuss the implementation of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). These Standards go into effect for all Michigan public schools starting in the 2014-2015 school year. The meeting will be held at 6pm on May 21 at Stevenson High School in Livonia, 33500 6 Mile Rd.
 
The CCSS is a state-led effort to raise student achievement by developing consistent K-12 standards in mathematics and English Language Arts. The Michigan Department of Education adopted the Common Core in June 2010. Forty six states, as well as a handful of territories and districts, have adopted Common Core to date. The Standards are relevant to the real world and reflect the knowledge and skills young people need to be prepared for both college and the global workplace.
 
“Michigan PTA enthusiastically supports the Michigan Board of Education’s decision to adopt the CCSS and is eager to see the Standards implemented,” says Shaton Berry, President of Michigan PTA.
 
Michigan PTA hopes to ease the transition from the current standards to the Common Core. Many aspects of education in Michigan will change as a result of the Common Core, including instructional materials, teaching methods, and assessments.
 
“Any type of change in education can be overwhelming for parents,” says Mac Saleh, Michigan PTA Board of Directors and a Livonia parent. “When they hear about a change, they want to know the whats, whys, and hows of that change. Michigan PTA is striving to help all families in the community understand these changes and how they can best acclimate to them for the benefit of their children.”

Representative David Rutledge (D-Ypsilanti) recently voiced his support for the Common Core. “National standards should serve as a starting point for states and local school districts to draw from so that every child has access to a quality education,” says Rutledge.
 
Representative Thomas Stallworth (D-Detroit) also stressed the importance of the Common Core. “Reinventing Michigan,” commented Stallworth, “means preparing our children to successfully compete in the global economy. Restoring cuts to education and the implementing of common standards for education outcomes are key steps in that direction.” 
 
The meeting is free and open to the public; all are encouraged to attend.
 
For more information or to schedule a presentation about the Common Core in your community, contact Michigan PTA’s Common Core State Standards Initiative at thestandards@michiganpta.org