Common core state standards for ELA and Literacy:

What is the purpose of the college and career readiness standards?

Many of the subjects taught were very broad and different states were not all teaching the same curriculum.  Common core came out in 2010 which will help all student in every state will be on the same page. 

What are the benefits and challenges of the shift to reading and writing non fiction text?

Reading has been going down in all states , though non fiction is good for younger students, informational helps student prepare for college, and it wont be just English teachers but all teachers in every subject have students read informational text.  The ability to read well effects a students writing.  This will soon help kids learn how to write properly to help with getting a job and in college.  It is important to know how to research and understand sources which has not been taught properly. Challenges?

What are the benefits and challenges of having standards for science, social studies, and technical subjects?

It helps when children be able to interact with their class which will help in the long run to help them interact with people at work.  Grammar is important in order to talk to a group of people, it is hard to get there, some have to read things over again to get it.  Common core wants to help these students who struggle and have a hard time reading and understanding the curriculum.  Challenges?