Contact:  Beverley Wheeler, (202) 741-0884

Washington, DC–The DC State Board of Education embraces the opportunity to align DC state standards with those of other jurisdictions and supports fully the Mayor’s and the State Superintendent of Education’s agreement to involve the District of Columbia in this transformative process. The State Board promises its utmost support in appraisal and development of the common core state standards.

The present state-led proposal, led by the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) and the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center), looks to create a common core of state standards developed and implemented in collaboration with all participating states. These common standards will address English language arts and mathematics. There are currently 44 states participating in this vital project, many of which already have strong, evidence-based standards. The goal of this project is to build from this foundation, ensuring that no standards are below the level of the most stringent currently in use. The second phase of this initiative will be the development of common assessments aligned to the core standards.

There has been much discussion surrounding this subject recently, including testimony provided to the House Committee on Education and Labor, an article in US News and World Report, and significant coverage in local newspapers. The conversations have centered on the need for this work to remain state-led as opposed to being federally mandated. This concern is raised as an assurance that this is a voluntary process and that states continue to have oversight and rulemaking abilities over their individual districts.

This process will result in a strong and united entity that will combine the knowledge of many distinctive and renowned leaders in the education field. It will incorporate international and national practices to improve education for America’s children. The DC State Board looks forward to working closely with the State Superintendent of Education to enhance educational outcomes for the students in the District of Columbia and across the nation.