News

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

California Adopts Common Core State Standards

News release from State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell today applauded the State Board of Education for voting to adopt the Common Core standards.

“The adoption of the Common Core State standards is a great step forward in California’s effort to close the achievement gap and prepare all students for college and careers in the 21st century,” O’Connell said. “The Common Core State Standards have been internationally benchmarked, are research-based, and are unequivocally rigorous. They are designed to be relevant to the real world, and reflect the knowledge and skills that students need for success in college and work.

“The Common Core standards build upon the best of California’s rigorous standards with the best of what other states and high-performing countries offer their students. I congratulate the State Board of Education for taking this historic step to improve our English-language Arts and mathematics standards by adopting the Common Core Standards.

“California has made significant strides in increasing student achievement since we implemented a standards-based education system. However, despite our progress, the achievement gap persists and leaves far too many students of color and poverty behind their peers. I have directed my staff at the California Department of Education to develop a timeline and plan for implementing the standards. This will require new curriculum frameworks, innovative instructional materials, richer and deeper assessments, and improved accountability measures. I look forward to seeing the results as the Common Core standards are fully implemented in California.”

The Common Core State Standards were developed though a state-led effort to establish consistent and clear education standards for English Language Arts and mathematics that would better prepare students for success in the competitive global economy. The initiative was launched by and supported by the Council of State School Officers and the National Governor’s Association. Forty-eight states, including California, participated in the Common Core State Standards Initiative. With California’s vote today, 34 states have adopted the Common Core standards. California is also participating in a multi-state consortium to develop assessments aligned to the Common Core standards.

The Obama administration is supportive of the Common Core State Standards effort and has included adoption of the Common Core as a required factor for success in the Race to the Top school reform competition.