We would like to commend today's issuance of K-12 common academic standards in reading and math by the National Governors Association (NGA) and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO). While a lot of hard work remains at the state level, this voluntary effort led by 48 states and the District of Columbia to provide high quality, common academic standards is a great step forward.

Both the NGA and the CCSSO have laid out a blueprint for states to prepare students in kindergarten through the 12th grade to graduate high school with the ability to succeed in careers and postsecondary education and training programs. Today’s release of the draft reading and math standards was developed by a group of experts including teachers and school administrators.

Businesses all across the country depend on a highly qualified workforce prepared for jobs in the 21st century. Common core academic standards among the states are essential to helping the United States remain competitive and enabling students to succeed in a global economy. The U.S. Chamber will continue to work with the NGA, CCSSO, and states to ensure all students are receiving the benefits of rigorous academic standards aligned with college and career expectations.