High academic standards are an important first step in ensuring that all Alaska's students have the tools they need for success. These standards reflect the collaborative work of Alaskan educators and national experts from the nonprofit National Center for the Improvement of Educational Assessment. Further, they are informed by public comments. Alaskan teachers have played a key role in this effort, ensuring that the standards reflect the realities of the classroom. Since work began in spring 2010, the standards have undergone a thoughtful and rigorous drafting and refining process. A nationwide movement among the states and employers has called for America's schools to prepare students to be ready for postsecondary education and careers. Standards in English/language arts and mathematics build a foundation for college and career readiness. Students proficient in the standards read widely and deeply in a range of subjects, communicate clearly in written and spoken English, have the capacity to build knowledge on a subject, and understand and use mathematics. These standards establish a strong foundation of knowledge and skills all students need for success after graduation. It is up to schools and teachers to decide how to put the standards into practice and incorporate other state and local standards, including cultural standards. In sum, students must be provided opportunities to gain skills and learn to apply them to real-world life and work situations. (Contains 5 tables and 5 footnotes.)