To date, 44 states and the District of Columbia have adopted the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). Achieve has prepared this planning document to help all states in the American Diploma Project Network (ADP) and the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) consortium engage educators in the essential work of understanding and delivering the CCSS and related assessments. This tool is primarily aimed at the state K-12 education agency. However, the Governor's office, higher education leaders and third-party organizations also may find the tool helpful in determining how they can be involved in engaging educators to ensure seamless and effective implementation of the CCSS. Where applicable, this document is drawn from and references the Achieve/Education Delivery Institute workbook, "Implementing Common Core State Standards and Assessments," presented at the June 2011 PARCC Multi-State Implementation Institute. The tool focuses on two key areas: (1) Developing a broad communication plan to reach all educators with basic information about the CCSS; and (2) Engaging educators in the development and delivery of aligned instructional materials and professional development plans. The tool will help states develop comprehensive plans that build educator capacity to spread awareness about the CCSS. Additionally, it will help states establish systems for deep and meaningful educator engagement around the development of tools and resources for implementation. Specific Engagement Opportunities and Strategies are appended.