Almost seven thousand students drop out of high school every day. Without strong literacy skills, students are less likely to experience academic success and more likely to drop out. This has a negative impact not only on those students, but on the economy. If the dropouts from the Class of 2011 had graduated, the nation's economy would have gained nearly $154 billion in additional income over their lifetimes. Therefore, a high school diploma is considered the "best economic stimulus package." The requirements of the Common Core State Standards will help address the literacy needs of students to be successful in school and become college and career ready.