U.S. to Devise National Standards for Math Assessment

June 23, 2009

The Federal Government has indicated that it may spend up to $350 million in a national effort to improve standards for mathematics and reading assessment.

Education Secretary Arne Duncan noted that “Perhaps for the first time we have enough money to really make a difference. We have proven strategies for success in schools all across America. This is where reform will play out," he said.

The National Governors Association and the Council of Chief State School Officers hope to lead the charge in creating common standards in English language arts and mathematics for grades K-12. These standards, to which nearly all states have made a commitment, will be research- and evidence-based; internationally benchmarked; aligned with college and work expectations; and contain rigorous content and skills.

"To maintain America's competitive edge, we need all of our students to be prepared and ready to compete with students from around the world," claimed Vermont Gov. James Douglas. "Common standards that allow us to internationally benchmark our students' performance with other top countries have the potential to bring about a real and meaningful transformation of our education system to the benefit of all Americans," he said.

Source: NGA.org, June 1; ED.gov, June 15