| dc.description.abstract | The study investigates the differences and similarities between the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). Further, its goal is to evaluate each standard within both TEKS and CCSS based on four descriptors: vertical alignment, clarity, rigor, and content value. The selected method of analysis in this study will be a side-by-side comparison of the CCSS to the TEKS. Kindergarten, third, and fifth grade English-Language Arts (ELA) standards will be analyzed. After identifying similarities and differences using a Concept Matching Map developed for this study, an evaluation of the quality of both standards sets will be performed. The evaluation will address vertical alignment, clarity, rigor, and content value by assigning each standard a score for each of the aforementioned categories based on a rubric created for this purpose. There are two predicted research outcomes regarding quality: this study will expose poor quality in the learning expectations designed by the Common Core, or, evidence will show that the Common Core is an improvement upon the TEKS and educators should call for a revision of the Texas standards in order to best serve our students. Evidence will also show how different the two standards sets really are, if at all. | en |
