The words "Common Core" don't hold special meaning to students in Terri Clarke's second-grade class at Newport Elementary.
Unbeknownst to them, the lessons Clarke is implementing will have a profound effect on the way they are taught for the rest of their time in public schools.
Common Core places an emphasis on big-picture, conceptual understanding and collaborative learning with peers, moving away from rote memorization, proponents say.
"We're passionate about this curriculum," Clarke said. "It's what's best for the students, but it still adheres to the state standards."
Tiffany Lewis, a former Newport Elementary teacher, is on special assignment developing the Common Core curriculum for the district.
While Common Core features 30% fewer standards mandated by the state, those standards are based in learning skills, making the curricula more difficult, she said.