In California, every special education student’s IEP needs to include academic goals that match their grade’s state standards — sounds serious, right? We all know IEPs are a big deal, but how they connect with Common Core may sound utterly confusing at first — don’t worry, we’ll explain.
Think of it like a ladder, where each rung represents progress from one grade to the next. The Common Core State Standards are the ladder itself, providing teachers (and parents) with a clear roadmap of what kids should learn at each level. Then come Essential Understandings (EUs), which are like the rungs on the ladder, while Core Content Connectors (CCCs) act like the handles or supports. Together, they help shape standards-based IEP goals — think of these goals as personal targets for our kids as they climb that ladder — ensuring they have access to the same learning content as their peers.
Yup, you heard it right: CCCs help promote inclusion! Children can learn alongside their peers and be taught with the same or similar materials other children are using (with the right supports in place!). And don’t worry if it sounds like alphabet soup, we’ve unpacked the details below.
Common Core State Standards (CCSS), Core Content Connectors, Essential Understandings — wait, what now?! CCCs and EUs break down the standards in a functional way that works for all students, making it easier to set inclusive, standards-based IEP goals that help bridge the gap for kids with disabilities and their neurotypical peers. So, what exactly are CCCs and EUs, and how do they show up in the classroom? Head to our article Core Content Connectors and Essential Understandings to learn more.
Think that Common Core State Standards have nothing to do with IEP goals? Think again! IEP goals should be standards-based and aligned with the Common Core State Standards for your child’s grade level — and there are three specific questions to focus on when you’re creating them, the first being ‘What do you want your child to do? (And why do you want them to do it?)’ Find the other two, plus info on SMART templates, vision statements, and more in our article A Parent’s Guide to IEP Goals.
📝 Undivided tips for your child’s standards-based IEP goals:
- Add this goal to your Undivided account for the step-by-step process to writing new IEP goals that prioritize the skills your child needs in order to progress in school.
- Every IEP Should Be Standards Based! Watch this easy explainer video that explains why, and breaks down the necessary components for creating a standard-based IEP for your child.
What the heck is a dynamic assessment (and how do I get one for my child)? Standardized tests often miss the mark for kids with complex needs. Enter “dynamic assessment,” a strength- and process-based, interactive assessment approach that looks at how kids learn over time and their potential to grow. Read more about how dynamic assessment can be used in schools, how it benefits kids with disabilities, how to encourage it for your child, and more in our article What are Dynamic Assessments for IEPs?
RSVP now to join our FREE, live, virtual event → How Public and Private Health Plans Work Together
If you have both private insurance and Medi-Cal, it’s easier to get your child’s medical and therapeutic expenses covered — if you know how to maximize your benefits! Join us on Thursday, November 14 at 1:00 p.m. PT for a live Q&A with Lisa Concoff Kronbeck and Leslie Lobel, Undivided’s specialists in public benefits and health plans, who will share their tips on using multiple health plans together and answer audience questions! Register for the FREE event here→
Undivided Conversations: Standards-Based Goals
In our upcoming Undivided Conversation on Friday, November 8 at 12:00 p.m. PT, Dr. Caitlin Solone, a powerhouse education advocate, teacher educator, and UCLA faculty member, breaks down how to create standards-based goals that actually make sense for our kids. She shares her tips for adding functional goals that sync up with the school’s Common Core Connectors, explains why it’s so important for parents like us to advocate for a curriculum that includes all students, and more. Tune in Friday for the stream on our Facebook page!
As one parent told Undivided, “Undivided has been my beacon of hope & light! I will say yes and blindly follow any invitation I receive. The expertise and learning I receive, and the love given, fill my cup every day.”
- What are Common Core Connectors and how could they benefit your child? Hear Dr. Caitlin Solone’s explanation on our YouTube channel→
- Did you know you can put Undivided’s Research Team to work for you? Learn more in this Instagram post→
- We loved seeing Undivided families enjoying Halloween festivities last week! See all the cute photos in our private Facebook group for parents→
- Team Undivided was at the Behavioral Health Tech Conference this week! Check it out on our LinkedIn→
