By Sean Whaley, Nevada News Bureau

CARSON CITY – Nevada has been selected by the National Governors Association to receive a $65,000 grant and additional technical assistance to implement Common Core State Standards at the postsecondary education level.

Nevada, Maryland and Missouri were selected to receive the support from NGA staff, the National Association of System Heads and the U.S. Education Delivery Institute as well as other national experts.

The Common Core State Standards Initiative is a state-led effort coordinated by the NGA Center and the Council of Chief State School Officers. Governors and state commissioners of education from 48 states, two territories, and the District of Columbia developed a common core of state standards in English language arts and mathematics for grades K-12.

The standards seek to define the knowledge and skills that students should have to succeed in entry-level, credit-bearing, academic courses and in workforce training programs. They are internationally benchmarked to ensure that all of America’s students are prepared to succeed in a global society.

To date, 45 states, three territories and the District of Columbia have adopted the standards.

The Common Core State Standards Postsecondary Collaborative is designed to accomplish four main objectives to support successful postsecondary implementation of the CCSS: Identify necessary policy actions, develop a communications and engagement plan, engage multiple stakeholders and foster alignment and collaboration across education systems.

“Nevada has already developed a framework for CCSS implementation that recognized the importance of postsecondary involvement,” said Gov. Brian Sandoval. “Although Nevada’s higher education system is well positioned and willing to fully support CCCS implementation, the collaborative will help the state develop a comprehensive engagement plan.”

Funding for the collaborative is provided by the William and Flora Hewlett and Lumina foundations.