GE Foundation Demonstration School
Curtin is one of 10 Milwaukee Public Schools elementary schools that are models for putting students on track to career and college readiness as new GE Foundation Demonstration Schools. The schools develop innovative ways to put the rigorous Common Core State Standards into practice. The standards define what students learn at each grade. Research has shown the standards will help make U.S. students competitive with their counterparts around the world. The Parents Guide to Student Success is designed to help parents understand the expectations for their child at each grade level.
Common Core State Standards Initiative
The Common Core State Standards Initiative (CCSS) is a state-led effort coordinated by the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO). The standards were developed in collaboration with teachers, school administrators, and experts, to provide a clear and consistent framework to prepare our children for college and the workforce.
The standards are informed by the highest, most effective models from states across the country and countries around the world, and provide teachers and parents with a common understanding of what students are expected to learn. Consistent standards will provide appropriate benchmarks for all students, regardless of where they live.
These standards define the knowledge and skills students should have within their K-12 education careers so that they will graduate high school able to succeed in entry-level, credit-bearing academic college courses and in workforce training programs. The standards:
- Are aligned with college and work expectations;
- Are clear, understandable and consistent;
- Include rigorous content and application of knowledge through high-order skills;
- Build upon strengths and lessons of current state standards;
- Are informed by other top performing countries, so that all students are prepared to succeed in our global economy and society; and
- Are evidence-based.
Our students at Curtin are involved in many different activities that use the CCSS in a variety of ways.