Common core is not a curriculum, only a set of standrds with no specific way to teach them...
Au contraire, the common core does contain some specifics (and a concern is that this may grow in the future as CCSS is still being developed). While there are indeed lists of standards, there are also tasks and books and their recommended placement by grade level / band. Despite having "standards" in its name, which some may call a misnomer, it contains so much more.
As a practical matter, most often items aligned to common core are numbered as to which standard(s) they are aligned with. This facilitates parents looking into the common core to see which standard(s) any classroom or homework activity may be fulfilling.
In addition to the associations between Common Core & SAT discussed on another thread, Common Core has associations with Pearson the British multinational publishing and education company.
Many articles discuss that future standardized tests will assess knowledge of specific common core content. Knowledge in a vast array of other literature and topics will count for naught. Many have read
about the common core, few have actually read the common core. Some have found it a daunting task. Interested individuals can read the current CCSS here:
Common core link -
http://www.corestandards.org/the-standardsCommon core English Language Arts link -
http://www.corestandards.org/ELA-LiteracyCitation:
Authors: National Governors Association Center for Best Practices, Council of Chief State School Officers
Title: Common Core State Standards (insert specific content area if you are using only one)
Publisher: National Governors Association Center for Best Practices, Council of Chief State School Officers, Washington D.C.
Copyright Date: 2010
Meanwhile, growing concerns about the future increase in specificity of CCSS are fueled by pearson posts including contests such as this one which asks teachers to submit lessons for evaluation in a contest seeking "best lessons for teaching what it means to be an active, engaged citizen." ("National Civics Education Contest for Teachers Announced", Sept 18, 2013,
http://www.pearsoned.com/)
Building on the goals of the College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework for Social Studies State Standards, which will be published this fall... to provide guidance to states and districts on the concepts, skills and disciplinary tools necessary to prepare students for college, career and civic life.
Emphasis added, showing CCSS is still underdevelopment.
Committing to CCSS while CCSS is still being written is a bit like signing a blank check which will be filled out by the other party at a later time. 
