October 29, 2015

Dear Parent,

You may have heard conflicting information about the action taken on Monday, October 26th, by the Arizona State Board of Education (SBE) to reverse their action taken in June 2010 to adopt Common Core. We would like to share some clarifying information with you.

Please know that the SBE’s vote does not mean that the current Arizona College and Career Ready Standards (ACCRS) have been repealed. This vote was purely symbolic. It repeals the Common Core standards only, while affirming Arizona’s current standards and keeping them in place. In addition, an ongoing review of the current Arizona College and Career Ready Standards continues, with full support from the Arizona State Board of Education.

What does this mean for TVUSD teachers and students?

It means that our teachers will continue to teach the same content, using the same methods and materials in the same way they were prior to this action. Your child’s educational program will not change due to this vote by the SBE.

What does this mean for Arizona's English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics standards?

It means that control of the ELA and mathematics standards has been returned to Arizona, as had been the case before the Common Core standards were adopted in 2010. Those standards will now be developed the same way they were before and the same way standards for all other subjects are developed. Through an annual process, the Arizona Department of
Education reviews the current standards, makes recommendations and gathers public input.

Until the SBE adopts any new standards, those currently in place remain in use. The Tanque Verde Unified School District will continue to meet or exceed the Arizona College and Career Ready Standards, and prepare our students for their continued success.

How can parents and teachers participate in the standards review process?

The public has the opportunity to give input on the standards. The online deadline for comments was extended until November 20th. Comments may be made here: https://k12standards.az.gov/ There will also be regional events scheduled by the SBE to gather input from the public.

Respectfully,

Kimberly C. Sharp, M. Ed. Superintendent