Kansas board adopts common core standards

(TOPEKA, Kan.) — The Kansas State Board of Education this week adopted Common Core State Standards for English language arts and mathematics that are internationally benchmarked and aligned with college and career readiness expectations.

Kansas joins 37 other states that have already adopted the Common Core Standards.

The vote clears the way for staff at the Kansas State Department of Education to begin drafting a plan to transition from the state's current standards to the new Kansas Common Core Standards.

The Common Core Standards Initiative is a state-led effort coordinated by the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO).

The standards for proficiency in English language arts and mathematics were developed in collaboration with teachers, school administrators and education experts.

They are evidence-based and include both content and application of knowledge through higher-order skills.