Most of Missouri’s school districts have started the process of implementing the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), a recent survey conducted by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education shows.

The survey, which was completed by approximately 6,000 teachers and administrators from across the state, reveals 70 percent of respondents have or are currently in the process of implementing the CCSS.

“We are pleased school districts are working to implement the Common Core State Standards,” said Missouri Commissioner of Education Chris L. Nicastro. “The Standards are crucial to ensuring our children are prepared for postsecondary education and careers.”

The survey shows teachers are already implementing the standards in classrooms. More than 83 percent of English teachers surveyed are guiding students toward focusing on deeper reading comprehension. More than 61 percent of math teachers surveyed are developing lessons that focus on the rigor that the CCSS prioritizes.

Most teachers surveyed are receiving necessary training. The majority of those surveyed said in order to fully implement the CCSS, they need to spend more time collaborating with colleagues.

Here is what some of those surveyed had to say about the process:

• “We are well on the way of implementing Common Core in the classrooms. I think we are doing sensational.”
• “I feel like our district has made great strides to shift to the CCSS. I know I am not fully "there" yet, but I feel like our team of teachers are heading in the right direction.”
• “I think our district has done a very good job. We started a vertical alignment three years ago and have been working towards the shift to CCSS ever since.”

The CCSS are updated English language arts and math expectations that provide clarity and depth to Missouri’s grade-level expectations and course-level expectations.

The standards are common sense first steps toward ensuring students obtain the best possible education no matter where they live. With clear academic expectations for each grade level, teachers, parents and students can work together toward shared goals.

For more information on the CCSS and how parents and teachers can help students succeed in school, please visit www.missourilearningstandards.com. To view the survey, please click here. To see which school districts responded to the survey, click here.