Common Core State Standards

Adopted by over 45 states in the U.S., the Common Core State Standards are a set of shared K-12 learning expectations for students in English-language arts and mathematics. These two new sets of content standards replace Oregon’s current standards in English language arts and mathematics. While the new standards are similar in ways to Oregon’s current standards, some content has been shifted and the level of rigor has increased to ensure college and career readiness at the end of high school.

Portland Public Schools began phasing in the Common Core State Standards in 2011-12, providing professional development to teachers and aligning core curriculum.

Since 2014-2015, students no longer take the OAKS exam in math and English-Language Arts and will take the Smarter Balanced Assessment instead.

Common Core poster series (PDFs)


English Español Tiếng Việt	English Español Tiếng Việt	English Español Tiếng Việt

CCSS Resources for parents

Portland Public Schools Resources:

Smarter Balanced, Basic Facts: English | Español
Smarter Balanced questions
Practice test
Information On How to Opt Out

Council, Great City Schools Resources:

GREAT VIDEO: Explains Common Core English & Español
Parent Roadmaps to CCSS English Language Arts
Parent Roadmaps to CCSS Math

Oregon Department of Education Resources:

Smarter Balanced ODE Resources
Smarter Balanced FAQ: English , Español
Smarter Balanced: Lessons Learned
Common Core: English Language Arts/Literacy
Common Core: Mathematics
FAQ for Parents
What do the CCSS mean for my student?

CoreStandards.org Resources:

CCSS FAQ
National PTA: Parent Guides for Student Success (K-12)
National Education Association: Five Facts for Making Sense of the Common Core
American Federation of Teachers: Debunking Myths of the Common Core