Comparing the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science and Technical Subjects and the Standards of Alberta, Canada and New South Wales, Australia

Through the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) Initiative, states and territories have collaborated in the development of a common core of standards in English language arts and mathematics for grades Kindergarten through twelve that have been adopted by the majority of states. Designed not only for the purpose of providing strong, shared expectations, the Common Core State Standards also allow adopting states to collectively create and share high-quality tools such as assessments, curricula, instructional materials (such as textbooks and software), and professional development programs.

As educators and policymakers review the CCSS for English Language Arts (ELA) & Literacy, they will want to consider the ways these new standards compare to, and build on, existing standards in ELA. This brief describes the comparison between the CCSS and the instructional expectations of two high-achieving educational systems: Alberta, Canada and New South Wales, Australia.