Implementation

With over 40 states having already adopted the Common Core State Standards, attention has rightly been turned to the issue of how to best implement the new standards to ensure they reach the classroom level fully and consistently. This section includes resources for state and district leaders, which delve into many of the critical issues associated with implementing the new standards and aligned assessments.

About the Common Core State Standards

In 2009, 48 states, 2 territories and the District of Columbia signed a memorandum of agreement with the National Governors Association (NGA) and Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO), committing to a state-led process - the Common Core State Standards Initiative (CCSSI). External and state feedback teams provided feedback to writing teams throughout the process. The draft of the K-12 standards was released for public comment in March 2010, and over 10,000 stakeholders commented on the draft standards, many of whom were educators.

On June 2, 2010, the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts/Literacy and Mathematics (CCSS) were released. Building on the strength of current state standards, the CCSS are designed to be focused, coherent, clear and rigorous; internationally benchmarked; anchored in college and career readiness; and evidence and research based. For more information see www.corestandards.org.