In this series of three posts, we aim to provide an overview of the ELA Common Core State Standards (ELA CCSS) to inform educators, parents, and community members about basic concepts and implementation. In this first post, we will introduce the ELA CCSS and provide context to those who are new to the standards. In the second post, we will go into further detail on the key features of the ELA CCSS and discuss the opportunities that they provide. In the third post, we will take a look at how various states are starting to implement the standards.