State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson announced today that the State Board of Education approved anchor standards for English-language arts and literacy in history/social studies, science, and technical subjects (ELA and Literacy). This completes California’s adoption of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) that spell out clearly the broad skills students need to succeed in college and careers.

“The College and Career Readiness Anchor Standards for ELA and Literacy set out the broad educational goals of the Common Core, giving students, teachers, and parents a tool that complements the standards for specific subjects and grade levels,” Torlakson said. “They are the glue that hold the parts of the Common Core Standards together, and today’s approval brings California one step closer to implementing these important new standards.”

The College and Career Readiness Anchor Standards for ELA and Literacy define the literacy expectations for students entering college and careers, and provide the foundation for the kindergarten through grade twelve English-language arts standards. The Anchor Standards will be outlined at the beginning of each set of course standards in reading, writing, speaking and listening, language, history/social studies, science, and technical subject sections focused on reading and writing.

Senate Bill 1200 authorized Torlakson to recommend, and the State Board of Education to adopt, the Anchor Standards. The Anchor Standards were not part of the original State Board of Education adoption in August 2010 of the CCSS for English-Language Arts and Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects with California additions.

The CCSS with California additions are designed to keep the best of California’s former standards, replace what’s outdated, and provide a clear focus on teaching students critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The CCSS provide a practical way for students to learn step-by-step, the real world skills they need for college and careers. For more information, visit the California Department of Education’s Common Core State Standards Web page.

For a more detailed look at the College and Career Readiness Anchor Standards, see the latest draft of the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects.