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How has the Common Core influenced the curriculum at charter schools?

Darren Ludye

The Common Core has had a significant impact on the way education is delivered in schools across the United States. This impact extends to the curriculum implemented in charter schools, which are public schools that operate independently of the local school district. The Common Core State Standards were developed with the goal of ensuring that all students across the country have a consistent, high-quality education regardless of where they live. As such, the standards define what students should know and be able to do at each grade level in English language arts/literacy and mathematics.

The influence of the Common Core on charter schools has varied based on the individual school's approach to implementing the standards. Some schools have fully embraced the Common Core and integrated it into their curriculum, while others have adapted certain aspects of the standards to suit their specific instructional goals.

One way that the Common Core has influenced charter school curriculums is by providing a framework for what subjects students should be taught and when. For example, the standards outline specific skills and knowledge that students should acquire in each grade level, and many teachers use this as a guide when planning their lessons. Additionally, the standards emphasize critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills in addition to content knowledge, which has prompted many charter schools to emphasize project-based learning and other forms of hands-on, inquiry-based instruction.

Another way that charter schools have been influenced by the Common Core is through the use of data and assessment. The standards include rigorous, end-of-year assessments designed to measure student progress towards the standards. Charter schools have been particularly innovative in using data to drive instruction and make informed decisions about curriculum and programming. Many schools have implemented systems for ongoing assessment and data analysis to monitor student progress, identify areas where additional support may be needed, and adjust instruction accordingly.

Despite the influence of the Common Core, some charter schools have chosen to deviate from the standards in order to better meet the needs of their students. For example, some schools have developed their own standards that incorporate elements of the Common Core but also reflect the school's unique mission and goals. Others have opted to focus more heavily on non-core subjects such as science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), or to offer specialized programs such as arts or language immersion.

In conclusion, the Common Core has had a significant impact on the curriculum implemented at charter schools. While some schools have fully embraced the standards, others have adapted certain aspects of the Common Core to suit their specific instructional goals. Regardless of their approach, many charter schools have used the Common Core as a framework to guide their instruction and incorporate critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills into their curriculums.