Preparing Arizona’s Students for College, Career, and Life

Information for Parents and Community Leaders about Arizona’s College & Career Ready Standards

Arizona Public Engagement Task ForceUpdated October 2013

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“You have brains in your head.You have feet in your shoes.

You can steer yourselfany direction you choose.”

“Oh, the Places You’ll Go!”Dr. Seuss

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Students need to be prepared to be successful in the

jobs of the future

Source: Expect More Arizona

• Technology changes rapidly, doubling every 18 months

• We are preparing students today for jobs that do not exist

• Students are competing for jobs with kids from around the world

The World Has Changed

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• A high school diploma is no longer enough

• Most good jobs require some type of postsecondary education or training

Employers Expect More

6Source: Expect More Arizona

98%

2%

Fewer than 2% of these jobs will be available to adults who have less than a high school diploma.

85%

15% 85% of high growth, high wage

jobs in Arizona will require some postsecondary education

In Arizona…

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All students need to be prepared for college, career and life

Employers who report their new hires are deficient in basic skills

42%

Arizona students that enroll in remedial classes in community colleges

59%

Arizona graduates who do not qualify for admission into state universities

53%

Arizona students who do not graduate on time23%

Where do We Stand Today?

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Arizona is raising the bar to ensure that all students receive a

world-class education

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• New academic standards in English and math in grades K-12

• Standards define what students need to know and be able to do in each grade and subject

Arizona’s College & Career Ready Standards

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• Will raise the bar to ensure that all kids are prepared for college, career and life

• Will give students criticalthinking, problem solving, and effective communications skills

How are the New Standards Different?

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• Created by teachers, subject matter experts, parents and school administrators

• Benchmarked against countries with top-notch education programs

Developed by Educators and Experts

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• Part of a larger state-led initiative

• 46 states and the District of Columbia developed the standards

• States are now implementing the standards and developing assessments that will be consistent across states

Consistent Across States

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• Relevant to the real world

• Reflect the academic knowledge and skills students need to be successful in college and career

• Emphasize understanding and application, rather than memorization

Benefits to Students

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• More time to go in depth in subjects

• Provide clear and consistent learning targets

• Helps limit challenges with student mobility

• Allows teaching decisions to remain at the local level

Benefits to Teachers

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• Parents, teachers and students to be on the same page

• Together you can identify when your child needs extra help or to be challenged more

• Opportunities to support your child’s learning at home

Benefits to Parents

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• Parent-teacher partnerships are critical to your child’s success

• Opportunity to have ongoing conversations about your child’s progress

Parent-Teacher Partnerships

• What are the most important topics my child will be learning this year?

• Can I see a sample of my child’s work? Is this piece of work satisfactory? How could it be better?

• Is my child on track to be successful in this class, next year, and for college and career?

• What resources are available if my child needs help or wants to learn more about a subject?

Source: National PTA

Key Questions to ask Your Child’s Teacher

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• Academic Milestones - Expect More Arizona

• Parents’ Guide to Student Success - National PTA

• Parent Roadmaps to Common Core State Standards - Council of Great City Schools

Key Resources for Parents

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• The Standards provide an opportunity to strengthen parent-teacher relationships

• An important step in helping your child to be college and career ready

An Important Step in Improving Education in Arizona

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Together, We Can Expect More and Achieve More for Arizona Students

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Q&A

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For More Information…

Visit Arizona’s College & Career Ready Standards Website:

ArizonaAimsHigher.org

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Thank You!

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