The development of the Model Core Curriculum for high schools was mandated by SF 245, passed in 2005. At that time, it was determined that we would articulate the essential skill sets in literacy, mathematics, and science. Extending it to include social studies and 21st century skills and expanding it to include grades K-8 came about when SF 588 passed in 2007. Now with the passage of SF 2216, full implementation of the Iowa Core is mandated for all public schools and accredited non-public schools. Other state's standards and benchmarks, along with international information, were examined by the Work Teams, which articulated the essential concepts and skill sets. Work Teams quickly determined that no one state system was without limitations or met all of Iowa's needs.