PARCC Releases Model Content Frameworks

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The state-led Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) today released Model Content Frameworks that will be used to inform the development of item specifications and blueprints for K-12 assessments in English and math. The frameworks also provide support and guidance for implementation of the Common Core State Standards.

The frameworks were created through a collaborative process that included state experts and writers of the Common Core State Standards. Nearly 1,000 individual comments were submitted from K-12 educators, principals, superintendents, higher education faculty, school board members, parents and students. The writing teams took that feedback into account when revising the model content frameworks.

Tamara Reavis, chair of the 14-state PARCC working group on implementation of the Common Core State Standards and the Director of Assessment and Accountability for the D.C. Office of the State Superintendent of Education, said the frameworks will support states and districts in their own curriculum development efforts.

"The frameworks build a bridge between the Common Core State Standards and the PARCC assessment system that will be a valuable tool for states as they implement the standards in the coming years," said Reavis.

The Model Content Frameworks are intended to be dynamic and responsive to evidence and on-going input. As such, PARCC hopes they will be used by educators for the remainder of the 2011-2012 school year. In the spring of 2012, PARCC will again solicit feedback on the Model Content Frameworks, and a refined version will be issued that incorporates feedback as needed. In this way, the Model Content Frameworks can evolve to reflect the experiences of educators and students. For more information or to view the frameworks, please visit www.parcconline.org/parcc-content-frameworks.

PARCC is an alliance of states working together to develop common assessments serving nearly 25 million students. PARCC’s work is funded through a four-year, $185 million dollar grant from the U.S. Department of Education. Partners include about 200 higher education institutions and systems representing hundreds campuses across the country that will help develop the high school component of the new assessment and then put it to good use as an indicator of student readiness. PARCC is led by its member states and managed by Achieve, a nonprofit group with a 15-year track record of working with states to improve student achievement by aligning K-12 education policies with the expectations of employers and the postsecondary community. PARCC’s ultimate goal is to make sure all students graduate from high school college- and career-ready. For more information, visit www.parcconline.org.