About the Standards

About this Site

Welcome! Please note that this is an unofficial website created to provide easy access to information about the Common Core State Standards. This site is not maintained by the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) or the National Governors Association (NGA). However, we aim to offer valuable resources for parents, educators, policymakers, and anyone interested in learning more about the Common Core.

What Are the Common Core State Standards?

The Common Core is a set of clear, high-quality academic standards in mathematics and English language arts (ELA). These standards outline what students should know and be able to do at each grade level. The goal is to ensure that all students graduate high school prepared for college, careers, and life—no matter where they live.

Currently, 41 states, the District of Columbia, four U.S. territories, and the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) have adopted the Common Core standards and are working to implement them.

Why Were the Common Core Standards Created?

In the past, students across the country were held to different standards, which led to uneven educational outcomes. In response, state leaders from the CCSSO and NGA began a collaborative effort to develop unified, consistent learning goals, known as the Common Core. Teachers, school leaders, and experts all contributed to shaping these standards to ensure students gain the skills needed for success in today’s world.

The Common Core standards are based on the best practices from top-performing states and countries. They ensure students are prepared for entry-level jobs, college courses, and workforce training programs after high school.

Key Features of the Common Core

The Common Core standards are:

  1. Backed by research and evidence
  2. Clear, understandable, and consistent
  3. Aligned with college and career expectations
  4. Focused on rigorous content and practical skills through higher-order thinking
  5. Built upon proven strengths of existing state standards
  6. Informed by global best practices to prepare students for a competitive world