Common Core State Standards (CCSS)

Maryland was one of the first States in the nation to adopt the Common Core State Standards in reading/English language arts and mathematics. The State Board of Education adopted the standards by unanimous vote in June 2010.

The Common Core State Standards initiative is a state-led effort coordinated by the National Governor's Association and the Council of Chief State School Officers. These rigorous education standards establish a set of shared goals and expectations for what students should understand and be able to do in grades K-12 in order to be prepared for success in college and the workplace. The standards are research and evidence based and internationally benchmarked. They have been voluntarily adopted by a total of 45 states and the District of Columbia.

The Common Core State Standards form the foundation for Maryland's new State curriculum. Hundreds of classroom educators, instructional leaders, administrators, and higher education representatives continue to assist State officials in developing the new Maryland Common Core State Curriculum to support the implementation of these new standards. The new State curriculum will be implemented in all Maryland schools in the 2013-2014 school year.

The Common Core State Standards and Next Generation Assessments
Preparing Our Graduates for the World that Awaits Them

Common Core State Standards Implementation Tools and Resources

Maryland's New Common Core State Standards
and Parents
August 2012

Maryland's New Common Core State Standards
and Teachers
August 2012

Maryland Classroom: Focus on Transition
May 2012