As shown by MetLife's 2010 "Survey of the American Teacher," America's educators strongly believe that all students should graduate from high school ready for college and a career (85 percent). Additionally, according to MetLife's 2009 survey, 86 percent of teachers believe that setting high expectations for students will improve student achievement to that end. The new Common Core State Standards (CCSS) are strongly aligned with those sentiments. The CCSS provide an opportunity to realize systemic change and ensure that American students are held to the same high expectations in mathematics and literacy as their global peers--regardless of state or zip code. The success of such change requires the thoughtful attention of school leaders. As such, this Action Brief for secondary leaders is offered as a "starting point," designed to increase awareness of the standards, create a sense of urgency around their implementation, and provide these stakeholders--who are faced with dramatically increased expectations in the context of fewer resources--with a deeper understanding of the standards and their role in implementing the standards. This Action Brief will provide no-cost takeaways, talking points and action steps that school leaders and counselors can begin to put into practice in their schools today. Appended: (1) Talking Points for Leaders; and (2) Resources. (Contains 16 footnotes.) [This paper was a joint action brief with College Summit.]