// a href = ./ //

   The Illinois State Board of Education has released the state's first set of math courses under the new common core standards.  

   Lieutenant Governor Sheila Simon and the board announced the curriculum for 6th through 12th grade classes on Thursday.  The package of coursework is aimed at reducing remedial math needs for college-bound students and better preparing students for the workforce.  

   State officials say the new courses will be available this fall and teachers can adapt the units as needed. 

   Missouri education officials have also signed on to the common core standards, Republican state lawmakers want to rescind that decision.

SPRINGFIELD, IL (AP) - Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon says she won't seek re-election next year but is weighing her options when it comes to seeking another public office.

She declined to give details, but she spent much of a news conference yesterday playing up her legal and financial experience.

Political experts say the move points toward exploring a run for attorney general or another statewide office and would allow for Simon to raise campaign funds separately from Gov. Pat Quinn, who's seen his approval rating dip.

It would also allow Simon to see who else is running.

Attorney General Lisa Madigan said yesterday that she hasn't decided yet on a 2014 gubernatorial run.

Simon told Quinn her decision in December. She said that in a few months she'll make another announcement about her future plans.

CHICAGO (AP) - Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon says she won't seek re-election in 2014 but that she will likely run for another public office.

In brief remarks to reporters in Chicago on Wednesday, the Carbondale Democrat refused to go into detail about her future plans.

She says she will make another announcement in a few months.

Simon says she informed Gov. Pat Quinn of her decision in December. Quinn has said he'll seek re-election.

Simon is a former law professor and prosecutor. A brief statement released before her news conference highlighted her legal background.

In that written statement, Simon also said she wants to serve the people of Illinois in a role where she can have "an even greater impact."

Simon was first elected lieutenant governor in 2010.