Why voters love Common Core

And to be sure, classrooms are seeing measurable improvements under Common Core Standards.

For example, in Tennessee—one of the earliest adopters of the Common Core Standards—college-readiness rates among high school students saw the biggest improvement this year since the state began testing. And last year, 4th and 8th grade students showed the biggest math and reading gains in the country.

“The hard work of teachers to implement higher academic standards is having an impact,” said Kevin Huffman, Tennessee’s outgoing education commissioner. “We’re starting to see the upward trend.”

Here are some more takeaways from Election Day. In only four states—Arizona, Colorado, New York and Pennsylvania—did the Common Core Standards emerge as a major issue, and in three of those races the most supportive candidates won. Twelve incumbent governors who publicly support Common Core easily won re-election. And, in the 44 states where Common Core is used, only 6 governors and 4 superintendents said they wanted to change course on Common Core.