ASCD Works with CCSSO and NGA on Common Core State Standards Initiative

Statement from Gene R. Carter, Executive Director, ASCD
May 5, 2010

I’m pleased to announce that ASCD has become an endorsing partner of the Common Core State Standards Initiative, a state-led effort spearheaded by the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) and the National Governors Association (NGA) to develop a common core of state standards that prepare our children for college, the workforce, and success in the global economy. The initiative's goal is to create K–12 English language arts and mathematics standards that are "fewer, higher, clearer"; internationally benchmarked; research-based; and aligned with college- and career-readiness expectations.

Creating such high standards is the first step in transforming our education system. But just as important is helping educators understand the new standards and how to implement them in their schools and classrooms. The common core standards effort—and the hard work of CCSSO, NGA, and their partners—won't bring about positive, meaningful change for students unless we translate the standards from words on a page to tangible improvements in learning and teaching. In collaboration with CCSSO and NGA, ASCD will strive to ensure teachers receive professional development that helps them develop lessons and deliver instruction aligned with the standards, gauge student progress in mastering the standards, and provide additional support to students who need it.

ASCD members recently adopted a position that outlines the guiding principles under which standards should be developed and implemented. These principles address everything from educating the whole child through a broad and rich curriculum to including educator input throughout the standards development, implementation, and evaluation process. The position and its principles will serve as ASCD's ongoing guide as we work on the Common Core State Standards Initiative.

As the final K–12 English language arts and math standards are released in the coming weeks, we eagerly anticipate working with CCSSO and NGA to make sure the standards become a reality in every classroom and lead to significant improvements in learning and teaching across the states.

Contact Information  

• Barbara Michelman, communications director, 1-703-575-5764 or by e-mail 
• David Griffith, public policy director, 1-703-575-5621 or by e-mail