With the adoption of these state-led education standards, North Carolina is in the first group of states to embrace clear and consistent goals for learning to prepare children for success in college and work.
"This is the first time that states have led an effort to create a common set of learning standards for our students," said State Superintendent June Atkinson. "North Carolina’s own essential standards are well aligned with the math and English Common Core, and we look forward to the benefits these new standards will bring for our students. We also are excited about the opportunities the Common Core offers us to share professional development and best practices with our partner states."
North Carolina was one of the 48 states to participate in the state consortium led by governors and chief state school officers. Teachers, NC Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) staff members and other groups have provided valuable feedback to the groups working since fall 2009 to write the Common Core standards on behalf of the state consortium. With the release of the Common Core, it is up to each participating state to formally adopt the Core and to plan their state’s implementation.
Common Core State Standards Initiative Mission Statement "The Common Core State Standards provide a consistent, clear understanding of what students are expected to learn, so teachers and parents know what they need to do to help them. The standards are designed to be robust and relevant to the real world, reflecting the knowledge and skills that our young people need for success in college and careers. With American students fully prepared for the future, our communities will be best positioned to compete successfully in the global economy."