ASCD continually seeks to provide solutions to the challenges that face educators of all levels. Recently theASCD SmartBrief ED Pulse poll addressed methods of educating parents about the Common Core State Standards.
A recent PDK/Gallup poll (PDF), the latest in its yearly education polls conducted with the American public, included several questions about the public's knowledge and attitude toward the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). Although the results were not particularly surprising to many, the poll got widespread attention and was even the subject of a Washington Post editorial. The poll showed a lack of public knowledge about the CCSS, with only about a third of the public aware of this major shift in education. This indicates that education leaders have a serious communication challenge facing them. This poll offers some insight into how these messages might be delivered to parents.
The majority of the ASCD SmartBrief poll-takers reported that parents should be made aware of the CCSS through a meeting or presentation at the school or district (56 percent). Secondly, they felt parents should be educated by including links to information sent to parents in e-mails (18 percent). About 10 percent of these educators felt that one of these methods would be preferred:
- Information in school newsletter (10 percent)
- Information on school or district website (10 percent)
- Materials or flyers sent home with children (8 percent)
This survey question was included in ASCD SmartBrief, a free daily e-mail news service that provides summaries and links to major education
