Over the next year, Common Core State Standards (CCSS) in K-12 education are set to be implemented across the nation. Already adopted by 46 states, CCSS provides educators with a set of uniform learning standards in math and language arts. The faculty at Ashford University’s College of Education is already prepared for this change and is equipped to help educators understand and implement these standards.

“Ashford University’s College of Education fully supports this exciting change that’s happening in K-12 education,” said Dr. Andrew Shean, dean of the College of Education at Ashford University. “The Common Core State Standards have the potential to reform the current public education practices and prepare students for success in college in the 21st century. The standards focus on teaching students to think critically and communicate effectively, which will ultimately lead to them becoming better global economic contributors.”

On Monday, Aug. 19, more than 100 Ashford University faculty members participated in a forum on the Common Core State Standards facilitated by Dr. Shean and two of his colleagues, Dr. Virginia Loh-Hagan and Dr. Stephen Halfaker. Guest speakers included Rhonda Taylor, the principal-on-special-assignment charged with implementing the standards in the Lakeside Union School District, and Karla Wells, assistant superintendent of learning and teaching in the Ontario-Montclair School District.

The forum was one of many tactics set forth by Ashford University to prepare educators for the shift in the K-12 education arena. The following questions were addressed by the panel:

• How are the Common Core State Standards impacting classrooms in your district?
• How are the standards changing teacher mindsets in your district?
• How prepared are your teachers for the Common Core State Standards?
• How can Ashford’s College of Education help your school districts with implementation of the standards?

“Ashford is at the cutting edge of education and is taking proactive measures to contribute to the successful implementation of the Common Core State Standards,” said Dr. Shean. “We are forming great partnerships and strategic relationships with school districts to network and collaborate, visiting schools to get a better understanding of how these changes will impact students and teachers at the ground level, and engaging in research and scholarship around the change in standards.”

For more information on Ashford University’s College of Education, visit www.ashford.edu/.

About Ashford University

Ashford University is defining the modern college experience by combining the heritage of a traditional campus with the flexibility and effectiveness of online learning. The University provides a vibrant learning community where high-quality programs and leading-edge technology create a dynamic, immersive and stimulating learning experience. The University offers practical and progressive associate's, bachelor's and master's degree programs online, as well as bachelor’s degree programs at its Clinton, Iowa, campus. Ashford University – where heritage meets innovation. For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu or call Shari Winet Rodriguez, vice president of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.