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BRT Letter to Republican National Committee Supporting Common Core State Standards

Reince Priebus
Chairman
Republican National Committee

Dear Chairman Priebus:

On behalf of the members of Business Roundtable – more than 200 chief executive officers who lead U.S. companies located in states across the nation from every sector of the economy – I am writing to express our steadfast support for the Common Core State Standards and explain why the Republican Party should support them too.

The Common Core State Standards are just that – state standards. They are the result of an open, two year process that was led by the nation’s governors and state school superintendents with the input of teachers, educators, business leaders and policymakers representing a vast array of the political spectrum.

Contrary to the characterization in a recently adopted Republican National Committee (RNC) resolution, the Common Core State Standards are not national education standards. In fact, they are the opposite. The standards were designed by the states and allow for each state to develop, tailor and implement them based on their specific needs – a clear sign of respect for state and local control over education.

The Common Core State Standards are fundamental to driving the change the U.S. education system desperately needs. The standards are internationally benchmarked and aligned with what colleges and employers expect students to know to achieve and excel in their studies and the workplace.

As America’s business leaders, we firmly believe that the Common Core State Standards are critical to building and maintaining an American workforce that can compete in the global economy, and we believe their adoption and implementation are inextricably linked to the success of our nation and our children.

We cannot turn back on this tremendous state-led effort, for if we fail to prepare all students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in an increasingly competitive world, they, and our economy will suffer.

Helping prepare our children to succeed in an increasingly fierce global marketplace is a goal we should all embrace. As America’s business leaders, we stand united in our support for the successful implementation of the Common Core State Standards, and we urge the Republican Party to join us.

Sincerely,

John Engler
President, Business Roundtable

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