PHOENIX, March 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- As the strongest voice for Arizona's high-technology industry, the Public Policy Committee and the Workforce and Education Committee of the Arizona Technology Council (http://www.aztechcouncil.org) today announced its stalwart support for the Arizona Common Core Standards as adopted by the Arizona State Board of Education to create the next generation of K-12 standards in English, language arts and mathematics. The Council has been a key advocate of advancing voluntary standards in education to ensure students succeed in higher education and the workforce and are well prepared to compete with their peers internationally for the jobs of the future.

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"The technology industry in Arizona fully embraces the Common Core Standards," said Steven Zylstra, president and CEO of the Arizona Technology Council. "Students must learn to effectively communicate, collaborate, think critically, analyze data and the opinions of others, and form their own independent conclusions.  By improving education, Arizona will have a stronger workforce that will help attract and retain businesses to our state and communities."

The creation of the Common Core Standards was a voluntary, state-led effort coordinated by the National Governor's Association (NGA) and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO). Teachers, content experts, parents, and school administrators - including some of Arizona's best and brightest leaders – worked together to create the Standards. 

"We rely on innovation, and we need an educated workforce to fuel not only Intel's growth, but the growth of all of the small and medium size technology companies that comprise the majority of  the Arizona Technology Council membership," said Jason Bagley, Government Affairs manager, Intel Corporation, an Arizona Technology Council member company. "Educating all Arizona students to the improved standards will provide them with the best preparation for success in life in any career they choose, and keep our economy healthy."

About the Arizona Technology Council
The Arizona Technology Council is Arizona's premier trade association for science and technology companies.  Recognized as having a diverse professional business community, Council members work towards furthering the advancement of technology in Arizona through leadership, education, legislation and social action. The Arizona Technology Council offers numerous events, educational forums and business conferences that bring together leaders, managers, employees and visionaries to make an impact on the technology industry.  These interactions contribute to the Council's culture of growing member businesses and transforming technology in Arizona. To become a member or to learn more about the Arizona Technology Council, please visit http://www.aztechcouncil.org.

SOURCE Arizona Technology Council