July 29, 2009

 Dear Governor Strickland and Superintendent Delisle:

 Thank you for joining 45 other states to develop common academic standards for our schools.  We share your conviction that this state-led initiative will benefit students in Ohio and across the nation for several reasons.

 For one, it is an opportunity for Ohio to build on the progress the state has already made in adopting rigorous academic standards and an improved statewide data system.  Ohio has much to offer to the other participating states, and would likewise benefit from the perspective of those states and national organizations such as Achieve, ACT and the College Board.

 A multi-state initiative not only has the advantage of mutually improving the quality of states’ standards in reading and math, but could also reduce costs. Pooling our resources with other states to develop and continually improve our academic standards is far more efficient than undertaking this work on our own.

 In addition, common state standards paired with common assessments would provide Ohio with valuable comparative information and further incentive to improve.

 Furthermore, adopting internationally-benchmarked standards would allow Ohio to compare its academic results to those of other nations over time and help prepare Ohio students to compete more effectively in the world economy.

 Finally, our state’s commitment to common state standards will foster cooperation with other states and the U.S. Department of Education.  Secretary Arne Duncan has already shown his strong support for the initiative by pledging $350 million of the $4.35 billion Race to the Top Fund to develop common assessments aligned to the common standards.  We stand ready to support the state in obtaining these federal funds.

 In closing, let me again express KidsOhio.org’s appreciation for your joint leadership in collaborating with other states to create common academic standards and assessments.  Please count on our support for this important work.

 For Ohio kids,

 Mark Real