The Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Literacy for grades K–5 define what students should understand and be able to do by the end of each grade. They correspond to the College and Career Readiness (CCR) anchor standards.
Fundations® Second Edition and Common Core State Standards
The Second Edition of Fundations was published in the summer of 2012. It includes all of the successful components of the first edition, which was itself strongly aligned to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). The Second Edition includes significant updates to thoroughly and specifically address the Common Core State Standards. It provides specific, measurable learning objectives which are aligned to CCSS.
Fundations® First Edition and Common Core State Standards
Fundations First Edition, published in 2002, teaches the foundational reading skills listed in the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). The alignment document outlines which levels, units, and activities support the CCSS. In using Fundations First Edition, school districts will be implementing, where appropriate, the standards of the K-3 Common Core.
In this document, we have outlined the specific Fundations activities that align with the Reading Standards for Literature and Informational Text, Reading Foundational Skills, Writing, Speaking & Listening and Language Standards. This alignment is intended to serve as a guideline to demonstrate how the Fundations curriculum is appropriate for use with a comprehensive language arts program to create a strong foundation for reading and writing.
Fundations is a supplemental phonics/spelling program delivered to general education classrooms in 30-minute daily lessons. This is appropriate when then core language arts program does not present a systematic phonics approach.
Common Core State Standards Initiative
The Common Core State Standards Initiative 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.
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.
To learn more about Common Core Standards, please click here