Montgomery County Public Schools officials are toning down the district’s arrogant reputation with their “wholehearted” support for Maryland’s adoption of new national standards.

The “Common Core National Standards” for English and math were created through a 48-state partnership, and have been adopted by 28 states, including Maryland and the District of Columbia. Advocates hail them as a more consistent driver of achievement nationwide, while a handful of mostly libertarian critics worry they will lead to an acceptance of below-par expectations.