SACRAMENTO – the California State Board of Education has voted unanimously to adopt the Common Core State Standards.

The Common Core State Standards Initiative is a state-led effort to establish a single set of high and clear educational standards for English-language arts and mathematics that states can share and voluntarily adopt.

Designed by a diverse group of teachers, experts, parents and school administrators, the Common Core reflect the best available evidence and the highest state standards from across the country.

As part of the adoption process, states have the option to add additional standards as a way to encourage high-standards states like California to maintain and even extend the rigor of their existing standards.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Monday applauded the State Board of Education’s decision.

 

“Since coming into office, I have made it a top priority to uphold California’s leading academic standards to ensure a high level of education for every student,” Schwarzenegger said. “I applaud the unanimous vote by the State Board of Education to adopt the enhanced Common Core Standards that maintain California’s high expectations and our belief that every student is capable of success in the classroom.”

 

Gov. Schwarzenegger created the Academic Content Standards Commission to consider the Common Core and make recommendations for policy changes necessary to ensure California’s academic rigor was maintained.

In its recommendation to the State Board of Education, the Standards Commission was able to use this rule to ensure that California maintains its high expectations for all students.

These additions, for example, will better prepare all students for success in eighth-grade algebra, which education experts agree is a critical factor in college and career readiness.

California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott said the standards will improve education.

“The California Community Colleges has collaborated with the State Board of Education, the California Secretary of Education’s Office and the California Department of Education on Common Core State Standards,” he said. “I applaud the State Board’s bold initiative to adopt academic standards in language arts and math that build on our state’s already rigorous model. This effort will help ensure students are prepared for college and the workforce.

Scott added, “As envisioned by the State Board, these uniform standards will help to create a level playing field where teachers, students and parents know what is needed for students to succeed.”

 

For more information on the Common Core State Standards Initiative visit www.corestandards.org.