Basics Plus is excited by the recent, wide-spread adoption of the Common Core Standards for mathematics and language arts released through the Common Core State Standards Initiative. Currently there are 44 States have adopted these core standards, including Arkansas and Oklahoma.

We are working to add children's book correlations that will be found on the Common Core Correlations page of our website. These children's book correlations will be books that are correlated to the Common Core Standards using the Common Core Maps found at CommonCore.org. Having these books in your classroom will assist you as you create lessons to help your students meet their learning goals.

In addition, we are gathering professional books that are either credited in the index of the Common Core Standards themselves or are recommended by trainers and publishers. They can be found on the Common Core Professional Book page of our website.

To learn more about the Common Core State Standards Initiative continue reading below or visit their website at www.corestandards.org.

From www.corestandards.org:

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.

The NGA Center and CCSSO received initial feedback on the draft standards from national organizations representing, but not limited to, teachers, postsecondary educators (including community colleges), civil rights groups, English language learners, and students with disabilities. Following the initial round of feedback, the draft standards were opened for public comment, receiving nearly 10,000 responses.

The standards are informed by the highest, most effective models from states across the country and countries around the world, and provide teachers and parents with a common understanding of what students are expected to learn. Consistent standards will provide appropriate benchmarks for all students, regardless of where they live.

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.