Common Core (College and Career Ready Standards)
in English Language Arts and Math
Q & A for Olathe Public Schools Parents and Guardians
1. What is a standard and how is it used in the classroom?
An educational standard provides a clear learning target students are expected to know and demonstrate. In
order to make sure students meet the standard, teachers in Olathe develop curriculum documents outlining
the skills, knowledge (vocabulary), and processes needed to demonstrate success with the standard. The
curriculum documents are submitted for approval to our Board of Education. Standards provide the critical
guide in the development of classroom lessons matched to teaching resources, classroom assessment,
district assessment, and state and national assessments. Teachers are continually focusing on professional
learning and ways to improve student learning through achievement of rigorous learning targets outlined in
educational standards.
2. Why are the Common Core Standards now called College and Career Ready Standards (CCR)?
In the state of Kansas, all subject area standards are called College and Career Ready Standards (CCR). This
title makes sense for two reasons: 1) The goal is to prepare all students to be successful with their individual
college and career choice, and 2) The term College and Career Ready Standards links all subject area
standards, not just the English Language Arts and Math standards adopted under the Common Core
Standards initiative. You will continue to see the reference to Common Core Standards as everyone
transitions in our district and Kansas to the use of College and Career Ready Standards.
3. Where will I find a copy of the College and Career Ready Standards?
All standards are available on the district website www.olatheschools.com. Go to Quick Links and
the red “featured” button. You will find Grade Level Course Documents. This link takes you to
English Language Arts and Math standards.
4. What is the best way to become familiar with the standards?
a. Review the standard statements and think about the skills, knowledge, and processes students are
expected to learn. Think about preparing students for their learning path to a successful college and
career choice. We know the demands of today’s workforce are ever changing.
b. Attend parent conferences and building meetings organized for the purpose of sharing teaching and
learning information with parents.
c. Be aware what students bring home.
 Do you see more reading and writing? Students are expected to read and write more in all subject
areas. This expectation is known as Disciplinary Literacy in grades 6 – 12. Students read different
types of text such as 1) fiction, 2) nonfiction, 3) argumentative text or text offering an opinion.
Students also read multiple selections on the same topic and write to demonstrate understanding.
Teachers refer to challenging text requiring focused thinking as more complex text.
 Do you see reading selections students mark on and make notes about in the margins? As text
becomes more complex, students use strategies to help them connect with the author’s purpose and
meaning. The markings and notes represent the interactive thinking students use (known as close
reading).

Do you see students challenged more by the math problems they bring home? Our students need to
be mathematical THINKERS and to be proficient at math. Students need basic skills and knowledge
of number relationships in order to solve critical mathematics from early learning through grade 12.
 Can your son or daughter describe what is being learned in the classroom? Teachers are making
every effort to help students know the standards (skills, knowledge, processes) they are learning
during the day. Standards are posted for students to see at the beginning of the lesson. The posted
standard is introduced, referred to, and attention is drawn to learning accomplishments at the end of
the lesson.
d. Discuss any questions you have with the teacher(s).
5. How can parents and families support student learning?
All students need to feel consistent, positive support surrounding them on their learning path. Building
relationships with adults is very important for all learning. Therefore, working together as a home and school
team is critical.
 Seek information or answers to questions from the teacher.
 Reinforce the importance of consistent routines for study time, homework, and reading.
 Help organize a home study location to minimize distractions. Check on the study and homework time to
see how everything is going. Students may need a break during a study session for something to drink,
nourishment, and movement.
 Recognize positive independence when study routines are followed without reminders.
 Encourage your son or daughter to ask questions or jot a note and visit with the teacher individually
when something does not make sense.
 Make sure you are aware of the various suggestions or support options offered in the school to keep up
with instruction and learning.
 Notice the learning progression and comment on how students are building on the skills they are
learning.
 Monitor sleep, exercise, nutrition, and activity to support the best opportunity to learn.
Let’s support, affirm, challenge, and encourage all students and their learning!
Latest revision 10/3