That means changes at schools across the suburbs from lesson plans to classroom design.
The more rigorous standards have shaped English language arts and math courses so far with science standards set to be approved by the end of the year. The standards require more discussion and analysis by students across the board.
"I feel my job is to build critical thinkers who aren't scared to solve problems," said one suburban teacher who discussed the Common Core with his students on their first day of school last week.
You can read the full story in the Daily Herald's edition from Sunday, August 18, 2013, or online at dailyherald.com.
