NASHVILLE (AP) — A statewide business coalition is showing its support for Tennessee's Common Core standards.

The group, called Businesses for Tennessee Prosperity, is scheduled to hold a press conference on Wednesday at the Legislative Plaza near the state Capitol.

The Common Core provides a set of standards for reading and math that are intended to provide students with the critical thinking, problem solving and writing skills needed to prepare them for college and the workforce.

The standards have been voluntarily adopted by 45 states. Tennessee adopted them in 2010 and began a three-year phase-in the following year.

The coalition is comprised of representatives from the state's regional chambers in Chattanooga, Knoxville, Memphis and Nashville; the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and the Tennessee Business Roundtable.