The role of the Common Core English Language Arts Standards in grades K-5 literacy instruction is the focus of the article. The authors begin by raising four questions: (1) What is the essential philosophy of the Common Core State Standards?; (2) What do educators need to know to use the College and Career Readiness Standards and Common Core State Standards effectively?; (3) What do classroom teachers need to do differently to help their students achieve?; and (4)What is the role of professional development in the implementation of the Common Core State Standards? In the article, the authors respond to these queries and discuss a variety of challenges that states, school districts, and teachers face as they implement the Common Core. (Contains 2 figures.)