The Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) is a multi-state consortium that developed computer-adaptive standardized assessments in English language arts/literacy and mathematics for grades 3–11, aligned to the Common Core State Standards, with the aim of measuring students' critical thinking, problem-solving, and readiness for postsecondary education and careers.[1][2] Formed in 2010 as a state-led initiative, PARCC received $170 million in federal Race to the Top assessment grants to design next-generation tests featuring performance-based tasks, such as extended writing and multi-step math problems, intended to go beyond multiple-choice formats and provide actionable data for educators.[3]