Common Core State Standards (CCSS) bring state curricula into alignment with each other by following the principles of standards-based education reform. The big idea behind CCSS is to, "provide a consistent, clear understanding of what students are expected to learn, so teachers and parents know what they need to do to help them." Navigating Implementation of the Common Core State Standards, the first of a four book series, provides background on CCSS and helps create a plan to implement the standards
If you are a novice to CCSS or you want to understand the research and philosophy behind the development of CCSS, this is a good place to start. It's short and concise, written by notable experts in the field of education.