The PA Core Standards are not a curriculum. As the title implies, they are a set of standards that South Western is required, by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, to implement. We are attempting to reach these standards by increasing the rigor and expectations for student achievement. As we increase the rigor and expectations for our students, we will also increase support at all levels of the district in order to assist all of our students in meeting the new standards.
The Pennsylvania State Board of Education adopted Common Core Standards in July 2010. Since that time, the decision was made to craft a set of PA Core Standards tailored to meet state specific needs in English Language Arts and Mathematics, as well as for Language Arts and Literacy in History/Social Studies and Science/Technical Subjects. A group of Pennsylvania educators crafted the PA Core Standards, which mirror the academic rigor of the Common Core State Standards, are attainable for students, practical for teachers and districts, and reflect the organization and design of the PA Academic Standards. For more information, click here.