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CCSSO / NGA Common Core Standards Initiative

The EDUCATION EQUALITY PROJECT is a member of The Coalition for Student Achievement 

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Coalition for Student Achievement, which represents morethan 60 diverse education, business, civil rights, and philanthropic organizations from across the U.S., strongly believes a common core of standards and assessments in math and reading throughout our nation is critical to the future of our education system and our students' success. Today's announcement by the Council of Chief State SchoolOfficers (CCSSO) and the National Governors Association (NGA) that 46 states and the District of Columbia have signed a Memorandum of Agreement committing to a voluntary state-led process to develop a common core of standards in English language arts and mathematics is a major step toward achieving this goal.

We applaud the NGA and CCSSO for their efforts to bring these states together to develop a common set of education standards. As the process moves forward, we
believe criteria set out by CCSSO and NGA can help ensure strong standards. Specifically, it is important that these standards are "based on research and evidence, aligned with college and work expectations, include rigorous content and skills, and internationally benchmarked." Additionally, standards must be fewer, clearer, and higher to raise achievement at all levels.

In order for our young people to be among the absolute best prepared in the world for bright futures and competitive jobs, we must hold for them the highest expectations.
This means world class standards. And world class standards will require world class assessments. It is essential that the standards-setting process be followed by the establishment of high quality, valid and reliable assessments that are aligned to these new standards. To help facilitate this process, the Coalition urges U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan to direct a portion of the "Race to the Top" funds provided under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act toward efforts to develop these assessments.

The Coalition for Student Achievement and its member organizations are committed to supporting the NGA and CCSSO to help move from the agreed-upon process to a high quality product.

For more information about the Coalition for Student Achievement and to view a full list of member organizations, visit www.coalitionforstudentachievement.org.

To view the press release, please click here.

Categories: Education News