Once the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) are fully implemented, not only will they prepare students in grades K-12 for college, but the workforce as well. According to the CCSS' website, it is the Standards' focus on developing learners' understanding of what is expected of them in essential subjects, such as reading and mathematics, that will better prepare them for the future.
As the CCSS are designed to equip tomorrow's workers with the skills they will need, it is only a given that many companies would take an interest in learning more about the Standards. With a better understanding of the CCSS, and what they will mean for education, a number of businesses have even thrown their support behind the Standards.
Business leaders praise the Standards
There are those who are for the CCSS, and those who are against it. Then, there are the 73 business leaders who proclaimed their support for the Common Core in an open letter that appeared in the February 12, 2013 edition of The New York Times. Top officials from such companies as Accenture, Boeing, Ernst & Young and Xerox all included their names on the letter, which highlighted the importance of the Standards.
Why business leaders care about the CCSS
According to the letter, there is currently a need for a strong employer voice in the effort to improve the American education system. After all, if the instruction students receive leaves much to be desired, they may go through their academic careers never acquiring the types of skills they need to thrive in a competitive global economy.
"America's business leaders can make a positive difference for schools, students and the country's future if we join together and share our expectations for education and our support for the people and institutions that move education reform forward," read the letter.
The business leaders went on to say that the more rigorous Standards will better prepare students for college and the workplace, which, in turn, will aid employers nationwide. With more capable workers on their payroll, there is the hope that companies will be able to better address the needs of economies at the local, state and national levels.
How business leaders can help
Just because business professionals do not work with students on a daily basis does not mean they cannot support the implementation of the CCSS. According to the nonprofit organization Student Achievement Partners, companies can encourage their employees to contact school districts and see how they can help with the Common Core transition process. In addition, they can simply provide encouragement throughout this challenging time.
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