If you have a child in grades K-12, chances are you’ve heard about the Common Core Standards. Forty five U.S. states and the District of Columbia have formally adopted the standards. As schools begin to incorporate the program there is much to be understood and discovered about the process and expectations. Here are answers to questions you might have about the standards and what they could mean for your children.
The Common Core State Standards Initiative is a state-led effort that created a single set of educational standards for kindergarten through 12th grade in English language arts and mathematics. The standards are designed to be robust and relevant to the real world, reflecting the knowledge and skills students need for success in college and careers.
Here are similarities between the elements of Kumon and the Common Core:
Learning Goals
With over 50 years of experience, Kumon is internationally benchmarked and contains the elements essential for studying college-level calculus and advanced literary texts such as Shakespeare. The Common Core aims to be internationally benchmarked, has a broad array of learning goals and shares many core competencies such as proficiency in advanced algebra and understanding Shakespeare.
Grade Level Material
Studying material above grade-level is the essence of the Kumon Method. Instructors aim for each student to reach and advance beyond their grade level material to experience the full benefits of the program. Through advanced study Kumon builds the math and reading skills necessary to succeed in any program or standards-based curriculum.
Critical Thinking
Kumon instills in students the skills and mindset for learning materials they have not encountered yet without being taught. As students build a strong foundation by mastering math and English language arts basic skills, students also build critical thinking by analyzing example problems on the worksheets and reading difficult passages. A fundamental goal of Kumon is to develop in students the ability to think logically and learn independently, which is at the heart of developing critical thinking skills.
As schools implement the Common Core Standards, its true impact on education as a whole will not be known for several years. While school curriculum and national standards may change from time to time, Kumon’s philosophy and academic goals remains constant. Kumon fosters in students the skills and confidence to study any school curriculum and become a life-long learner.
Information provided by Kumon Math & Reading Center of Issaquah Highlands. For more information, please visit their website or call at 425-369-1072.
Information provided by Kumon Math & Reading Center of Issaquah Highlands. For more information, please visit their website or call at 425-369-1072.
