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by Becky L. Spivey, M.Ed.
The Common Core State Standards Initiative is a state-led effort coordinated
by the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices and the Council
of Chief State School Officers. 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.
These standards present rigorous grade-level expectations for students in
grades K-12 in mathematics and English language arts (ELA). They also challenge
students with disabilities to excel within the general curriculum in order to reach
the same college and/or career goals. Continued development, understanding, and
implementation of research-based instructional practices in mathematics and ELA will
help all students reach their highest potential.
Common Core Standards do not tell teachers how to teach. They present the knowledge and
skills students need to know in order for teachers to create the best lessons and environment for their
classrooms. Standards help students, parents, and teachers set clear and realistic goals for achievement as
well as provide an organized plan for reaching those goals. But, what about students with disabilities?
Students with disabilities are a heterogeneous group with one common characteristic: the presence
of disabling conditions that hinder their abilities to benefit from general education (IDEA 34 CFR 300. 39,
2004). Reaching this diverse group of students depends on how teachers are teaching and assessing the
standards. In order for disabled students to meet these high academic standards and fully demonstrate
their knowledge and skills in mathematics, reading, writing, speaking and listening, their instruction must
include and support certain accommodations, including:
- Supports and related services designed to meet the unique needs of disabled students and to enable their
access to the general education curriculum (IDEA 34 CFR 300. 34, 2004).
- An Individualized Education Program (IEP) which includes annual goals aligned with and chosen to facilitate
their attainment of grade-level academic standards.
- Teachers and specialized instructional support personnel, prepared and qualified to deliver highquality,
evidence-based, individualized instruction and support services.
The fundamental goal of the CCSSI is to promote a culture of high expectations for all students.
In order to experience successful participation in the general curriculum, students with disabilities, as
appropriate, may be provided additional supports and services, such as:
- Instructional supports for learning – based on the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) which foster student
engagement by presenting information in multiple ways and allowing for diverse avenues of action and expression.
- “The UDL is a scientifically valid framework for guiding educational practice that values
diversity through proactive design of an inclusive curriculum, thereby eliminating or reducing
barriers to academic success. Initially proposed as a means for including students with
disabilities in the general-education classroom, it is now better understood as a generaleducation
initiative that improves outcomes for all learners.” (This includes students with
limited English proficiency.)
- Instructional accommodations – changes in materials or procedures which do not change the
standards, but allow students to learn within the framework of the Common Core.
- Assistive technology devices and services – ensure access to the general education curriculum and
the Common Core State Standards.
Some students with the most significant cognitive disabilities may require substantial supports
and accommodations based on their academic needs. Supports and accommodations should ensure that
students receive access to multiple means of learning opportunities to demonstrate knowledge, but retain
the rigor and high expectations of the Common Core State Standards.
The Council for Exceptional Children contributed to the creation of the Core Curriculum Standards
by voicing concerns about the needs of disabled students. Deborah A. Ziegler, Associate Executive Director
of Policy and Advocacy Services for the Council for Exceptional Children stated, “Council for Exceptional
Children (CEC) was pleased to be involved throughout the process to ensure that the new Common Core
Standards address the needs of students with disabilities and gifts and talents. CEC believes the new
standards will move education in the United States in the right direction for all students and will provide
them with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in college and work. We look forward to
supporting the initiatives to implement the Common Core Standards.”
Resources
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