For the first time in the nation's history 46 States and the District of Columbia have agreed that all K-12 students will be educated along a common continuum of high academic expectations known as the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). Having clear, consistent standards in English language arts/literacy and mathematics will help ensure that all students, regardless of zip code, graduate fully prepared to succeed in college, careers and life. This brief document provides an overview of postsecondary's role in preparing K-12 students. The document also offers a great amount of information about a variety of efforts and ways higher education institutions can contribute to K-12 efforts and collaborate with K-12 educators to help ensure students are prepared for successful entry into and experiences with higher education. [The following contributed both content and expertise to this report: Chad Colby, Deborah Grossman-Garber, Zakiya Lee, Karen Nicodemus, Callie Riley, and Debra Stuart.]