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 2: Could you please explain how the common core standards will impact and assist students with disabilities and English Language Learners? How will it address achievement gaps, for instance?

Thank you for your thoughtful question. The impact of the Common Core Standards on students with disabilities and English language learners (ELLs) is something that we have spent considerable thought on, not to mention the importance of addressing the achievement gap. Both NGA and CCSSO are interested in working with the disability and ELL communities to help realize the standards for these students.

How these high standards are taught is of the utmost importance in reaching ELLs and students with special needs. English language learners are at varying stages in acquiring language proficiency while concurrently acquiring content area knowledge. This will inevitably result in some students requiring additional time and all students requiring appropriate instructional support and aligned assessments. Additionally, students with disabilities may need accommodations or – in exceptional cases – modified goals, incorporated in an individualized education program, to help them access information or demonstrate knowledge. For example, in instances when a standard asks students to perform actions they are physically incapable of, students will need to be presented with alternative option to demonstrate similar knowledge and skills within the range of their abilities.