Common Core State Standards (CCSS) bring state curricula into alignment with each other by following the principles of standards-based education reform. The big idea behind CCSS is to, "provide a consistent, clear understanding of what students are expected to learn, so teachers and parents know what they need to do to help them." Navigating Implementation of the Common Core State Standards, the first of a four book series, provides background on CCSS and helps create a plan to implement the standards