California Joins Feds on School Standards

In a move that should bolster the state's chances of getting federal school reform dollars, the California State Board of Education approved common national academic standards.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger praised the board's unanimous vote Monday, saying the standard's "maintain California's high expectations and our belief that every student is capable of success in the classroom."

The Obama administration has pushed for common standards. States that adopt them score higher in the battle for "Race to the Top" grant money. California is currently a finalist in that competition.

Critics worried the common standards weren't as stringent as California's framework.

The board also voted to direct the state Education Department to create an implementation plan.