On July 29, 2010, Iowa joined 29 other states in adopting national standards for what students should learn in math and English. Since that time, 46 states have adopted what is now known as the Common Core as their state curriculum. Within the Common Core, each state has the freedom to add 15% additional standards to the Common Core. Iowa has done this. Because of the additional standards, the curriculum taught in Iowa will be called the Iowa Core. In August of 2012, the CCSD began the implementation of the Iowa Core in K-2 math, 3-5 language arts, and middle school math and English/language arts. Full Implementation of the Iowa Core is scheduled to take place by the beginning of the 2014-15 school year. Please follow the links below for more specific information about the Common Core and Iowa Core Standards.

The Iowa Core is 50% what is taught (the curriculum) and 50% how it is taught (instructional strategies). From this point forward, the curriculum standards, starting with math and English, will be given to each district. It is left to each district to unpack the new curriculum and select research-based instructional strategies to best deliver the curriculum. For the important work associated with the delivery of the Iowa Core Curriculum, we will draw heavily from two noted sources, the Gradual Release of Responsibility as presented by Dr. Doug Fisher and Dr. Nancy Frey, and Professional Learning Communities as developed by Dr. Richard DuFour.

Parent friendly Iowa Core resources