NOW WHAT?: New Fordham Institute Report Explores Next Steps After Common Core Adoption, Offers Model to Govern Effort Article

On October 28, Oregon became the latest state to adopt common core state standards in math and English language arts. And states are currently working together to develop new assessment systems that align with the common standards.

PREPARE AND INSPIRE: President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology Offers Recommendations on Improving K–12 STEM Education Article

A new report from the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) argues that the nation must inspire all students to learn science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) and motivate many of these students to pursue STEM careers in order to ensure that America is a leader in STEM education in the coming decades.

New Model Core Teaching Standards Available for Public Comment Until October 15 Article

On July 17, the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) released new model core teaching standards for public comment. Unlike the original teacher standards, which focused on the assessment and support of beginning teachers, the new core teaching standards are standards of professional practice for all teachers.

THE STATE OF STATE STANDARDS—AND THE COMMON CORE: Common Core State Standards Are Stronger than Current Standards in Three Quarters of States, New Report Finds Article

The Common Core State Standards released on June 2 are stronger than English language arts (ELA) standards in thirty-seven states and math standards in thirty-nine states, according to a new report from the Thomas B. Fordham Institute.

States Already Moving to Adopt the Common Core State Standards Initiative Article

In February, Kentucky became the first state to formally adopt the Common Core State Standards in English language arts and mathematics.

A COMMON UNDERSTANDING: Final K–12 Standards in English Language Arts and Mathematics Released on June 2 Article

On June 2, 2010 the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) released the final version of the Common Core State Standards in English language arts and mathematics at an event held at Peachtree Ridge High School in Suwanee, Georgia.

THE CASE FOR COMMON STANDARDS: New Profiles from the Alliance for Excellent Education Examine Need for (and Potential of) Common Standards and Assessments Article

In spring 2009, the Common Core State Standards Initiative was launched with forty-eight states, the District of Columbia, and two territories coming together under the auspices of the National Governors Association and the Council of Chief State School Officers to develop a common core of state K-12 English language arts and mathematics standards.

PRIMARY SOURCES: America’s Teachers Say Students Are Leaving High School Unprepared for the Challenges Ahead Article

Approximately 93 percent of teachers agree that a high school diploma is not enough for today’s students to succeed.

Principles for a Comprehensive Assessment System Report/Fact Sheet

Recognizing that no single test can fulfill all the needs for information by all stakeholders, this report suggests the need for a comprehensive system of assessments that needs to be coherent and cohesive and aligned to standards for college and career readiness.

STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESSES: States Make Due with Massive Budget Deficits Article