What do the Common Core standards mean for students?

What is the Common Core and what does it mean for students? The Common Core is a set of high-quality academic standards in mathematics and English language arts. These learning goals outline what a student should know and be able to do at the end of each grade, preparing them for a career or for college. While over 40 states have adopted these standards, some people are concerned that the standards are too challenging for students. Decide for yourself, as former math teacher and current CAP senior policy analyst, Robert Hanna, breaks down one particular Common Core standard for kindergartners.

[robertpondiscio]

Standards are written for teachers not students.  Kudos to you for making this simple, clarifying point.  And for this excellent demonstration of what standards look like when translated into classroom lessons.  Well done. 

[scottquenette]

I actually listened to that debate and heard what the principal make that exact comment.  She really tried to conflate the argument with all of the "adult" vocabulary but as was described above, it can be used by a teacher to compose a lesson plan (isn't that what they're supposed to do anyway?) to bridge the gap between what should be learned and how it is taught. 

[willragtime]

Seems pretty straight forward. Where's the controversy here?