New Common Core State Standards

New Common Core State Standards

WEBB CITY, MO.--- The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is introducing a new set of academic guidelines. It's the new "Common Core State Standards." The program is to better prepare students for college and the workforce. It is expected to lower re-mediating rates, promote critical thinking and increase college completion. 

"Nearly one third of all Missouri students need to take some sort of remedial class or a class designed for mediation when they go to a college or a university. (42% of Lee's Summit graduates, that attend community college, need to take remedial classes) That's alarming and we really think that that's an indication that we can prepare our students better," said Trey Moeller, Webb City Assistant Superintendent. 

The State Board of Education approved the program in 2010, but it's now being fine tuned. The new plan would focus the students skills in math and English. The guidelines were created by a team of parents, educators, administrators and researchers. 

"They're seeing those needs. I think it was really through the years it has been well done, and they've gathered so many different perspectives that they can meet the needs better of our students," said Moeller. 

School administrators say the new academic expectations will help students succeed in a globalized job market. 

"To have to compete for jobs and to having to support themselves and be productive citizens, the Common Core really took that to the next step and started bridging the gap from the old standards to the new standards that we think will help our students be successful," said Moeller. 

The standards have been adopted by more than 40 states. The guidelines do not require school districts to use specific curriculum. Teachers and administrators will continue to form their own at the local level. The new standards will be adopted in all Missouri public schools by the 2014-20-5 school year.