Standard close readings

"As specified by CCSSO and NGA, the Standards are (1) research and evidence
based, (2) aligned with college and work expectations, (3) rigorous, and
(4) internationally benchmarked. A particular standard was included in the
document only when the best available evidence indicated that its mastery was
essential for college and career readiness in a twenty-first-century, globally
competitive society. The Standards are intended to be a living work: as new and
better evidence emerges, the Standards will be revised accordingly."

The first thing I notice in this section is the designation of significance.  For the numbered items, the statements are placed in order of perceived importance.  This also serves to establish validity for these standards.  Listing these items is an effort to prove why they should be accepted as the best and therefore incorporated in all schools.  Secondly, "standard" is almost always the subject of the sentence.  Repeating this subject establishes the importance and focus on the topic.  Thirdly, the writers of this document establish an authoritative identity as the experts on the matter, dictating that they fully researched each standard and only included those which "indicated that its mastery was essential for college and career readiness."  This statement also establishes the significance of college and career readiness since every standard must meet this criteria.  Additionally, this creates a connection between the standards (what we teach in our classroom) and college and career readiness.  In other words, we should be preparing our students for their future with everything we teach.