Since 1984 Utah has had a set of Core Standards for all academic areas taught in our K-12 public schools. Standards provide the foundation for high quality instruction by defining the essential skills and knowledge to be mastered at each grade level.
In 2010, Utah and 40 other states adopted a similar set of K-12 Core Standards for Math and English Language Arts based on the Common Core State Standards Initiative (CCSSI). The transition and implementation of these Math and English Language Standards began in 2011. Two associations developed these new Standards: the National Governors Association and the Chief Council of State School Officers. Representatives from participating states, as well as a wide range of educators, content experts, and researchers developed these Standards to ensure that high school graduates in every part of the nation will have the knowledge and skills necessary for college and/or career readiness.
The Utah Core Standards for each subject area can be found at uen.org/core. Utah Core Standards are reviewed and revised on a rotational basis to make sure that the Standards are up-to-date and adequate for our students. By state law, all revisions must go through the same process before adopted and implemented. The time line for this process is a minimum of one-year.
The Utah Board of Education will post notice that the revision process for a particular subject is going to begin. The Standards Review Committee (SRC) meets to make initial recommendations. The SRC Recommendations are reported to the Utah Board of Education. A writing committee is organized and they meet with the SRC to provide updates and receive input. Final updates are submitted to the board for approval of a 90-day review period. The public has 90 days to give input on the recommended changes. Revisions occur based on public input. The Standards are then brought to the board for review and adoption.
Utah PTA is a strong advocate of the Utah Core Standards. We encourage parents to become informed about standards and how they challenge and benefit their children. Parents can help their children succeed by partnering with their teachers and reinforcing the lesson topics at home. Parent Guides for Student Success at each grade level are available at pta.org/parents.