Schools this week are receiving the second half of a $1.25 billion block grant from the state to support their move to the Common Core academic standards, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson announced today.

Districts received the first half of the funds in September and the second half—about $622 million—today. They can decide for themselves how to use the funds to train teachers, buy new materials, or purchase technology, all with the purpose of implementing the Common Core State Standards. The total amounts to some $200 per student.

via $1.25 Billion Going to Schools for Common Core – Year 2013 (CA Dept of Education).