Information is a Common Core dish best served first

Abstract

There has been a spike in negative comments about mathematics and standards since the implementation of the Common Core State Standards. Regardless of whether the comments are fueled by social media or traditional media, educators need to be armed with strategies for helping parents understand, navigate, and embrace the Common Core’s mathematics content and practices. In this article, the author outlines three strategies and accompanying action steps that can help school leaders and teachers to be proactive rather than reactive when addressing parent concerns about the Common Core math standards. While the examples in this article are embedded in elementary mathematics, the strategies and action steps apply to all K-12 settings.