On the more local level , California , the District of Columbia and Indiana received the highest marks in English language arts with more stringent standards than the national recommendations , according to the institute 's study , while 37 states fell below the recommended Common Core standards . A state-led effort has created proposed national standards for U.S. students . So far , 26 states have signed on the national Common Core Standards . The goal is to make sure that all children in grades 3 through 8 are taught math and English at grade level by 2015.
A state-led effort has created proposed national standards for U.S. students . So far , 26 states have signed on the national Common Core Standards . The goal is to make sure that all children in grades 3 through 8 are taught math and English at grade level by 2015.