Business, labor union, community and educational officials from around the country are convening in Hawaii to discuss public school standards.

The officials are meeting to debate the Common Core State Standards Initiative, an effort by Hawaii and 47 other states to draft a consistent, clear understanding of what students are expected to learn.

The standards also would help teachers and parents understand what they need to do to help pupils.

The Council of State Governments is assisting the effort, with financial support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

The meeting is scheduled for noon today at the state Capitol.