Ask the Expert Common Core Standards

Dane Linn

Photograph of Dane Linn
Dane Linn
Director, Education Division,
National Governors Association Center for Best Practices

As Director of the Education Division at the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices, Dane oversees all education-related policy research, analysis and resource development. He regularly provides consultation and tailored analysis to the nation's governors on a host of issues including No Child Left Behind, early childhood, elementary and secondary, and postsecondary education. Under Dane's leadership, NGA's work continues to assist governors on developing policies that increase the number of students who graduate from high school ready for postsecondary education and the workplace.

Recognized as a national expert in his field, Dane has authored numerous reports on issues ranging from school finance and teacher quality to school redesign and pay for performance. He recently spearheaded NGA's national initiative Redesigning the American High School, launched by former Governor Mark Warner of Virginia during his tenure as NGA Chair. Currently, Mr. Linn is leading the Common Core Standards Initiative which is state-led process for developing national standards in English Language Art and mathematics.

Prior to his work at NGA, Dane worked at the West Virginia Department of Education where he was responsible for ensuring the implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Before that, he served as legislative liaison to the House of Delegates. His professional experience in education began as an elementary school teacher and principal.

A graduate of Cabrini College, Dane received a master's degree from Marshall University Graduate College and is currently a Ph.D. candidate at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

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Question 1: What kind of assistance can we receive to help us align our state standards to the common core standards?

We understand that several states have spent considerable time and effort over the past several years revising their standards. Throughout the Common Core State Standards Initiative process, the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) have worked with states to help them understand the importance of comparing the draft standards to their existing state standards. Many states have provided feedback based on their analysis and this information is being considered by the working groups as they revised the documents. Both NGA and CCSSO along with other national organizations continue to provide assistance (e.g. analyses of current state standards to the common core) to interested states. We also plan to work with states as they move from adoption to implementation.