California Department of Education CCSS Resources

Information and resources about the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for students, parents, and guardians.

• CCSS Resources for Parents and Guardians | DOC (Updated 19-Aug-2014)
  This handout includes a list of resources for parents and guardians interested in learning more about the CCSS and how to support their child's attainment of these standards.
  • Available translations of the CCSS Resources for Parents and Guardians handout
  • Mathematics Resources for Parents and Guardians
    Information and resources for parents and guardians that explain mathematics instruction used today and provide suggestions for supporting their child's academic success.
• Informational Handouts
  Informational flyers providing overviews and highlights of the CCSS, available in multiple languages.

• What’s Cooking with Common Core in California?
  This brief video explains what the transition to the CCSS means for California. This video was developed by the Californians Dedicated to Education Foundation in collaboration with the California Department of Education, the State Board of Education, California County Superintendents Educational Services Association, California State PTA®, California School Boards Association, California Teachers Association, California Federation of Teachers AFT/AFL-CIO, Association of California School Administrators, and the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce.

• K-8 California's Common Core Standards Parent Handbook
  This handbook, created by the California County Superintendents Educational Services Association (CCSESA) in consultation with the California State Parent Teacher Association (PTA), gives parents an introduction to California's CCSS and a summary of what students are expected to learn as they advance from kindergarten through grade eight. This document has been translated into 17 languages. The handbook and translations may be found on the CCSESA Common Core Standards Communication Tools Web page under the General Overview Materials section.

• California PTA Common Core Web Page
  The California State PTA has made available many resources for parents to learn more about the CCSS and support their child's achievement of the standards. Resources include informational fliers, frequently asked questions, grade level parents' guides, links to additional resources, and articles of interest. The fliers and parents' guides are available in English, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Tagalog, and Vietnamese.
  • National PTA Assessment Resources
    The National PTA has released a fact sheet on assessments to provide parents with information about what he assessments should do and what they are trying to accomplish. It has also made available videos about the assessments and test scores.

• Achieve the Core Common Core Resources for Parents and Community Members
  This Web page contains resources compiled for parents and guardians introducing the CCSS including information about the standards; guides, roadmaps, and videos for parents; and teacher and business support for the CCSS.
  • A Common Core FAQ (PDF) created by teachers for teachers that includes key information about the background of the Standards, what the changes mean for students, and resources where parents can learn more.
  • Milestone Videos from GreatKids.org are short videos for parents that show what children in grades K-5 should be able to do in each grade.

• Parent and Guardian Practice Test Notification Template (DOC)
  The California Department of Education has developed a letter template for local educational agencies to assist them in notifying parents and guardians of the availability of the Smarter Balanced Practice Tests. The notification template can be customized and printed on school or district letterhead. The template is available in multiple languages.
  • Spanish translation of the Parent and Guardian Practice Test Notification Template (DOC)
  • Other available translations of the Parent and Guardian Practice Test Notification Template

• Grade Level Curriculum
  The grade-level curriculum documents are organized by individual grade levels and include information about transitioning to the CCSS.

• Common Core Resources for Special Education
  CCSS resources and guidelines for the special education community.

• Council of Great City Schools Parent Roadmaps
  The Council of Great City Schools has developed parent roadmaps for understanding the ELA and mathematics CCSS in kindergarten through eighth grade. For each grade and subject, the roadmaps explain to parents what children will be learning and how parents can support learning outside of the classroom.

• Shifts for Students and Parents
  EngageNY has created a practical guide that provides steps that parents can take to improve their child’s learning of the CCSS.

• Be a Learning Hero
  A collection of education organizations seek to help parents and guardians support their child's success in school with tools and resources.

• Raise the Bar Parents
  Supported by America Achieves, this is a Web site created by parents for parents. Its mission is to provide parents with tools, resources, and community so that parents have what they need to support their child's learning and work effectively with teachers and schools. On this page, you will find information about education relevant to parents , tools for parents to help at home (such as the Educational Check-Up), and ways for connecting with other active parents.