The purpose of this article is to present a perspective on disciplinary literacy and the Common Core State Standards based on the argument that disciplinary literacy is embedded in the standards. The article highlights possibilities and challenges associated with national efforts to prepare students for success in college and the workforce. Information is presented on the basis of a selected literature review of disciplinary literacy, adolescent literacy, student achievement, and the common core standards. Instructional strategies also are presented for developing students' disciplinary literacy and meeting common core goals. In the article, I call for collaborative inquiry and shared accountability among stakeholders to ensure that all students' literacy and learning needs are met in a new era of educational reform.