Gwinnett School Superintendent Explains Common Core Eduction Standards

Gwinnett County Public Schools CEO and Superintendent, Alvin Wilbanks was on hand at a UPCCA meeting Monday night to explain the Common Core standards, a program adopted by Georgia.

While the program was designed to create a set of standards that define what students need to learn, there has been some controversy over Georgia's decision to adopt the program. 

"There are no silver bullets in education," said Wilbanks. But this program, adopted by 46 states, including Georgia, is designed so that emphasis is made on core subjects.

Wilbanks pointed out that this is not a curriculum but a program and does not require any certain set of text books.

"This is not a U.S. Department of Education program, this was created by the states," explained Wilbanks. The program he said emphasizes what students should learn but leaves it up to educators how the subjects should be taught.

Listed are a few of the facts about Common Core:

The common Core State Standards initiative is a states-led effort launched by state leaders, including governors and state commissioners of education from more than 40 states, two territories and the District of Columbia, through the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices and the Council of Chief State School Officers.

The Standards are state-led and states retain control of adopting and participating in the standards.

The Standards define what students need to know, but they don't tell teachers how to teach or how students should learn.

Local school districts choose their own curriculum. In Gwinnett, that's the AKS curriculum. the AKS covers the state's CCGPS as well as other items that teachers and the community agreed where important for students.

The Standards are designed to build on the most advanced current thinking about preparing all students for success in college and their careers. This will result in moving even the best state standards to the next level.

A debate between Sen. Fran Millar and Sen. William Ligon on the issues and concerns about Common Core Educational Standards is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 26, 2013 at 7 p.m. at Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church, 471 Mount Vernon Highway in Sandy Springs. The event is free.

Visit the Gwinnett County Public Schools website for more information on Common Core and Gwinnett County Schools.