Statement by Michael Cohen, President of Achieve

Achieve President Michael Cohen issued the following statement today on New York’s agreement to continue implementation of the Common Core State Standards:

"Today’s action in Albany is good news for New York’s students.  It demonstrates that state elected officials, education leaders, and teachers can come together and unite behind the goal of preparing all students for college and career and of enabling teachers to do the difficult work of implementing the Common Core standards without distraction.  

"At a time when over 50% of students in New York community colleges and more than 10% of students who enter 4-year colleges in New York are required to take remedial courses, the status quo is a bad deal for New York students, their families, and taxpayers.  Effective implementation of the Common Core standards is a key component of New York's strategy for turning these results around. 

"Together with legislation enacted earlier this spring, state leaders have found an effective way to maintain a focus on accountability for results, while being flexible enough to adjust policy details and implementation timelines to take into account the implementation challenges facing teachers, students, and their parents.  My colleagues and I at Achieve are prepared to help New York educators in this great effort." 

MEDIA CONTACT: Chad Colby (202) 419-1570, ccolby@achieve.org