The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) is encouraging our community, including parents, teachers, local education agencies, businesses and community organizations, to provide feedback on the college- and career-readiness standards in English-language arts and mathematics released on September 21 by The National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO). These standards are the first step in the development of grade specific standards as part of the Common Core State Standards Initiative. The District of Columbia is one of the 51 states and territories that have joined in this effort led by governors and chief state school officers.

The proposed college and career-readiness standards establish the knowledge and skills students must know to be successful in college courses and in workforce training programs. The NGA Center and CCSSO have made every effort to lead an initiative that is evidence based, internationally benchmarked and in general establishes standards that are "fewer, clearer and higher." Please provide OSSE your comments by October 15, 2009 on the proposed standards by going to the following links: English language arts and math. 

The DC State Board of Education and OSSE are also holding a hearing on Wednesday, October 7, 2009 at 5:30 pm at 441 4th Street, NW, in the District of Columbia State Board of Education Chambers, located on the lobby level of the building. Constituents who wish to comment at the public meeting are required to notify the State Board of Education by the close of business Monday, October 5, 2009 by contacting the Executive Director, Beverley Wheeler, by phone at (202) 741-0884 or by email at Beverley.Wheeler@dc.gov. Please provide one electronic copy and bring fifteen copies to the hearing for the Board Members to view. If you are unable to attend the hearing DCSBOE and OSSE encourage you to submit comments by October 15, 2009 at osse.publiccomment@dc.gov or to 441 4th Street, NW Washington, DC Suite350N Attn: Jessica Morffi.