National Governors Association and State Education Chiefs Launch Common State Academic Standards

Earlier this week, the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) and the Council of Chief State School Officers released a set of state-led education standards, the Common Core State Standards. The English-language arts and mathematics standards for grades K-12 were developed in collaboration with a variety of stakeholders including content experts, states, teachers, school administrators and parents. The standards establish clear and consistent goals for learning that will prepare America’s children for success in college and work.

The release of the standards marked the conclusion of the development of the Common Core State Standards and signaled the start of the adoption and implementation process by the states. The year-long process was led by governors and chief state school officers in 48 states, two territories, and the District of Columbia. The final standards were informed by nearly 10,000 public comments and by standards in other top performing countries so that all students are prepared to succeed in the global economy.

The standards were designed to define the knowledge and skills students should have within their K-12 education careers so that they will graduate high school fully prepared for college and careers. The standards are designed to:

be aligned with college and work expectations;
be clear, understandable and consistent;
include rigorous content and application of knowledge through high-order skills;
build upon strengths and lessons of current state standards;
be informed by other top performing countries, so that all students are prepared to succeed in our global economy and society; and
be evidence- and research-based.

In the coming months, each state will be encouraged to follow its own procedures and processes for adoption of the Common Core State Standards. The NGA Center and the Council of Chief State School Officers recognize that meaningful and effective implementation of the Common Core State Standards is critical to achieving these goals. To that end, the two organizations are planning to continue working closely with a range of partners to best support states and districts as they move from adoption to implementation.

To access the Common Core State Standards, visit:

     Common Core State Standards