The Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers is a consortium of states working together to develop a set of assessments that measure whether students are on track to be successful in college and their careers. These high quality, computer-based K–12 assessments in mathematics and English language arts/literacy give teachers, schools, students and parents better information about whether students are on track in their learning and for success after high school, and tools to help teachers customize teaching and learning to meet student needs.

The PARCC assessment is based on the core belief that assessment should work as a tool for enhancing teaching and learning. Because the assessments are closely aligned with the new, more rigorous Common Core State Standards (CCSS), they ensure that every child is on a path to college and career readiness by measuring what students should know at each grade level. They also provide parents and teachers with timely information to identify students who may be falling behind and need extra help, as well as students who are excelling and are ready for additional challenges.