A wide range of actors will be involved in the implementation of the Common Core State Standards in Mathematics (CCSSM) which has been adopted over the past several years by nearly every state. This represents an unprecedented opportunity to improve U.S. mathematics education and to strengthen the international competitiveness of the American labor force. A set of standards, no matter how outstanding they may be, can only affect the quality of students' education as they are implemented in classrooms. This will require a concerted effort by all stakeholders in the education process including not only education leaders and professionals but students and their parents as well.