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What is the Common Core, And How Does It Affect Your Student?

School communities are abuzz with talk about the Common Core State Standards, a set of academic goals adopted by 46 state departments of education and, voluntarily, by a number of private and parochial schools.

Helping children learning study skills will help them adapt to the standards set by the Common Core.

Helping children learning study skills will help them adapt to the standards set by the Common Core.

Photo Credit: Contributed

They are shared, measurable goals that provide consistency in expectations for student achievement and prepare students for success in college and careers. The goals set an intention for students to become adept at higher-level critical thinking and analysis and set the stage for success in college and career.

While teachers are working to adjust their curriculum to meet certain benchmarks, parents may wonder how they can help their students adapt to the new standards set by the Common Core. One key strategy is to make sure students learn study skills.

By focusing on key learning methods, processes, and strategies, students can establish a foundation for high-level thought, greater retention, and deeper understanding of their academic material.

To have the best chance at academic success, students need a collection of skills, strategies, and systems, which can be classified into three main categories.

1. Active reading and listening: note-taking, self-assessment techniques, building on knowledge, determining main ideas and supporting.

2. Time management: planning out assignments and study time, using a planner, setting goals, setting priorities.

3. Executive functioning: breaking down large tasks into smaller pieces, self-evaluation, choosing the right strategy for the task at hand, making decisions

When practiced, good study skills can lead to better classroom engagement, learning, and understanding. Students are motivated to learn and work independently. They can approach class projects and tests with greater confidence, as they have strategies for seeing themselves through to their goals. With solid study skills in their repertoire, students can thrive in the new Common Core environment.

Michelle Sagalyn is president and founder of Successful Study Skills 4 Students, an area leader in teaching evidence-based study strategies. Learn more at http://www.s4studyskills.com

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