Research Finds 97% of Teachers are Now Favorable Towards Common Core Standards

Survey from Archipelago Learning finds 57% “Very Favorable”, up from nearly 27% in 2009

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Archipelago Learning, a PLATO Learning company and leading subscription-based, software-as-a-service (SaaS) provider of education products, is reporting 97% of teachers surveyed hold favorable attitudes towards the Common Core Standards. The findings from Archipelago’s Study Island 2011 year-end customer survey found 57% of teachers were “very favorable” overall towards the Common Core Standards, up from 27% in 2009.

“As of today, 46 states and Washington D.C. have adopted all of the Common Core Standards, with another adopting only those for English Language Arts. Acceptance on the state level has given the Common Core momentum, but how it is applied in the classroom will determine its success.”

Those reporting a “somewhat favorable” attitude comprised 40% of the sample size, with a mere 2% reporting “somewhat unfavorable” attitudes, down from 12% in 2009. No respondents reported “very unfavorable” feelings about the Common Core Standards, down from 2% in 2009. Accepted now by all but four states, the Common Core Standards are designed to build on current thinking about preparing all students for success in college and their careers.

“Broader acceptance of Common Core Standards among teachers will ease application of those Standards in the classroom,” said Cathy Caldwell, vice president of product development for Archipelago Learning. “As of today, 46 states and Washington D.C. have adopted all of the Common Core Standards, with another adopting only those for English Language Arts. Acceptance on the state level has given the Common Core momentum, but how it is applied in the classroom will determine its success.”

As a clear set of shared goals and expectations, the Common Core Standards rely on the positive attitudes of teachers and principals who will ultimately determine how the Standards are taught.

“Over two-thirds of teachers surveyed who use Study Island said they highly value the product’s real-time tracking and reporting, student engagement, and most importantly, academic progress,” added Caldwell. “Our goal is to help make the Common Core Standards accessible and easy to implement for teachers. If we can make teaching to the Common Core easier, then we can help teachers successfully transition by aligning the classroom with the broader state and federal policy and measurement initiatives.”

About Archipelago Learning

Archipelago Learning, a PLATO Learning company, is a leading subscription-based, software-as-a-service (SaaS) provider of education products used by approximately 14 million students in nearly 38,700 schools throughout the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Our comprehensive digital supplemental product suite uses technology to transform education. We make rigorous learning fun, engaging, accessible and affordable. For more information, please visit us at www.archipelagolearning.com.