Research on Common Core standards impact on education

Teaching and learning has changed significantly under the Common Core State Standards, according to a study of five states. Math teachers, for example, are focusing more on real-world applications and conceptual understanding, and English teachers are exposing students to more nonfiction.
Kane, T. et al.  (2016). Teaching higher. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Center for Education Policy Research.
http://cepr.harvard.edu/files/cepr/files/teaching-higher-report.pdf

Common Core impact study

Test scores vary little between states using Common Core State Standards and those not using the standards, according to a recent report Data show Common Core is changing instruction, with 45% of teachers emphasizing nonfiction in 2015, up from 38% in 2011. Principals are most likely to influence instruction by developing and setting educational goals for their schools.
Brown Center on Education Policy. (2016). Brown Center report on American education. Washington, DC: Brookings Institute.
http://www.brookings.edu/research/reports2/2016/03/24-brown-center-report-loveless

Common Core and principals survey

A majority of  the 1000 principals surveyed in 14 states said implementation of the Common Core State Standards is a top priority. However, a significant number of those surveyed said they need to upgrade curricula and technology.
National Association of Elementary School Principals. (2014). Leadership for the Common Core.
https://www.naesp.org/content/naesp-releases-two-surveys-principals-common-core-standards

School librarians impact on student achievement research

The Pennsylvania School Library Association's research determined what school library infrastructure contributes most to student achievement, the costs and benefits associated with it, and what’s needed to develop students with 21st-century learning skills. Although more than two decades of similar research has been conducted in over 22 states, the Pennsylvania study uncovered the following new and significant findings:
- Quality school library programs significantly impact the most vulnerable students. 
- Writing scores are more positively impacted than reading scores.
This is the first statewide study to assess the roles of librarians in teaching the American Association of School Librarians’ (AASL) Standards for the 21st-Century Learner as well as Common Core standards.  
Staffing remains the key factor. This study suggests that there’s no substitute for a full-time, certified school librarian who’s fully engaged in the teaching and learning process.
Kachel, D., & Lance, K. (2012).   Pennsylvania School Libraries Pay Off: Investments in Student Achievement and Academic Standards.
 

Common Core impact study

Will the Common Core State Standards improve student achievement? Not according to a new study out today. The crux of the argument in the report is that there is not much of a connection between standards—even rigorous ones—and student achievement. A 2009 Brookings study that found no connection between the quality of states' standards and their students' NAEP scores. Researcher Loveless examines NAEP scores from 2003 to 2009 and finds no correlation between the quality of states' standards and NAEP gains during that period. Loveless also looks at performance standards, or the "cut points" set for proficiency on states' tests, to examine the argument that the presumed higher cut scores on the future tests for the common standards will help drive better student achievement. Again, he finds that cut scores are unrelated to NAEP performance.

Loveless, T. (2012). How well are American students learning? Washington, DC: Brookings Institution.

http://www.brookings.edu/~/media/Files/rc/reports/2012/0216_brown_education_loveless/0216_brown_education_loveless.pdf