The Common Core State Standards present the greatest opportunity in decades to improve the quality of education afforded to all students. Uniformly raising standards across the majority of states and increasing the rigor of assessments sets an ambitious bar of college and career readiness for all students. Furthermore, assessing students against this more difficult benchmark will shine a bright light on schools and districts that are struggling to provide the caliber of education necessary for students to be successful. Armed with a more accurate picture of student performance, states and districts will be better positioned to direct resources and supports to students who need them the most. These new standards will also better prepare students to adjust to a changing economy by providing them with not just the base knowledge they need, but also the skills to be lifelong learners, effective communicators, and critical thinkers. It is true that the transition to the standards and assessments is difficult and will require patience, persistence, and continual parental and community engagement, with ongoing support and professional development for educators. But the tremendous benefits of the Common Core are too important to allow incomplete or inadequate implementation to undermine them. The good news is that across the country, states and districts are using promising and effective practices to implement the Common Core. The examples highlighted in this report are testimony to this effort. But more work remains, and states and districts should take note of best practices as they continue their transition to the Common Core.