The Common Core, an Uncommon Opportunity

1. No Longer Business as Usual Major Differences Between the Former Standards and the New Core Implications for Classroom Instruction and Assessment The Impact of the 21st Century Skills International Benchmarking for Global Competition Implications for Leadership References 2. Developing Course Tools to Build the Instructional Program Make the Commitment and Then Get a Game Plan Unpacking, Bundling, and Sequencing the Standards Devising Curriculum Maps (or Pacing Guides) Unit Planning References 3. Integrating Best Practices to Help Students Construct Meaning Multiple Levels of Thinking Goal Setting Organizational Patterns Questioning and Cueing Similarities and Differences 4. Integrating Best Practices Into Unit Plans Mathematical Problem Analysis and Problem Solving Vocabulary Knowledge Delivery Strategies Recognition and Reinforcement Continuous Monitoring and Feedback Basic Assumptions Chapter References 5. Continuous Assessment to Monitor Results The Use of High-Stakes Test Results as Entry-Level Data District Benchmark Assessments Formative and Summative Classroom Assessments Common Missteps in Assessment Strategies for Making Better Use of Assessment Results Design of Assessments: Traditional Tests and Authentic Assessments Chapter References 6. Homework and Grading: Two Critical Issues Homework Grading Relative to Mastery Chapter References 7. Implementation and Accountability Grade-Level or Course Teams Direct Assistance to Staff The Observation and Analysis of Classroom Instruction by the Principal Chapter References 8. Summary and Sustainability Process Checklist for Chapter 1: No Longer Business as Usual Process Checklist for Chapter 2: Developing Course Tools to Build the Instructional Program Process Checklist for Chapter 3: Integrating Best Practices to Help Students Construct Meaning Process Checklist for Chapter 4: Integrating Best Practices Into Unit Plans Process Checklist for Chapter 5: Continuous Assessment to Monitor Results Process Checklist for Chapter 6: Homework and Grading: Two Critical Issues to Success Process Checklist for Chapter 7: Implementation and Accountability Appendices Appendix A: Goal Setting Examples Appendix B: Questioning Appendix C: Categorization Appendix D: Critical Attribution for Similarities/Differences Appendix E: Teaching the Metaphor for Similarities/Differences Appendix F: Math Problem Solving Appendix G: Vocabulary Appendix H: Collaborative Observation Samples With Action Plans for "Stars" References

"Judith March and Karen Peters in their new book on the implementation of the Common Core Standards describe what a major systemic undertaking it is to transform a district's curriculum to reflect the Common Core standards in Math and English Language Arts, state content standards in Science and Social Studies, and the 21st Century Skills. They provide a detailed and clear pathway for teachers and principals to integrate the Common Core Standards with local and state curricula. They use extensive research based examples to guide teachers and principals and enable them to visualize how to sustain powerful transformative practices in schools. Their chapters on Continuous Assessment, Homework and Grading, and Implementation and Accountability offer teachers and principals visions of world class learning centers for all students." -- Robert J. Manley, Ph.D., Professor of Educational Administration "The Common Core: An Uncommon Opportunity to Redesign Classroom Instruction is a "must have" resource for teachers and leaders. The demands to shift classroom instruction in response to the Common Core are reaching a fever pitch. The pressure is on, and the stakes are high. Teachers and leaders, to meet these demands, must work together to both initiate and sustain meaningful change. This book provides the required processes in a clear, concise, practical, and usable format. Working together, and using this book as a guide, success is achievable." -- Ted H. Hull, Ed. D. "I took a Superintendency in an urban district that needed to totally transform itself. We began with the curriculum to include the Common Core and the other new state academic standards. But we soon discovered we also needed to re-design classroom instruction and re-construct our building leadership. We so appreciate the work of EdFOCUS - - of Drs. Peters and March and their team. Their system helped us not only re-invent ourselves but build the internal capacity we needed to maintain our momentum. This book is a must for any district who is serious about taking advantage of the Common Core to re-invent itself." -- Connie Hathorn, Ph.D., Superintendent "Our school district benefitted from EdFOCUS' model of collective school reform, because they were able to engage entire departments and, even, entire building staffs in the process from the very beginning. Their approach created a sense of ownership and urgency that led to our ability to quickly develop internal capacity to facilitate our improvement work. EdFOCUS' methodology improved our teachers and administrators' understanding of curriculum, instruction, and assessment; and the role each play in our efforts to improve student performance." -- Brian E. Davis, Director of Curriculum & Instruction "In this new book, March and Peters do a great job of providing practicing teachers and administrators a great break down of the CCSS and then share significant ways to both unpack those standards and apply exemplary instructional and classroom practices to implement those CCSS. I would highly recommend this book for practicing educators looking for ways to put the CCSS into real-life classroom instruction and activities. They also go on to have a really timely and important discussion about assessments and their role in the instructional cycle with lots of important information provided for the reader. This is a really powerful book for those looking for a discussion, complete with examples, of the issues involved in implementing the CCSS." -- Joe Crawford, Author, Speaker, & Consultant "With 46 of the 50 states having adopted the common core, the question that the respective districts will have is, "How do we implement them?" This is the book that can be their guide." -- Dr. Robert A. Frick, Retired Superintendent of Schools "This book does what it sets out to do - to provide a plan and the resources needed to redesign 21st century classroom instruction that uses the common core standards to improve teaching practice for educators and educational outcomes students." -- Katherine M. D. Lobo, ESL Teacher "As I read this book, I found that everyone (superintendent, principals, teachers, any stakeholder) should read ALL of the book." -- Jane Hunn, 6th Grade Science Teacher "There are few books of this kind that offer such deep and specific information to assist the field in successful implementation of the Common Core and State learning Standards. This work provides tools for process, content, and sustainability of this important work. This book is a gift to practitioners of all levels, and those practicing in any type of school or district." -- Dr. Lynn Macan, Superintendent "This book puts all of the proven strategies from top researchers in one place to help teachers prepare their students for tomorrow's world. I really hope all stakeholders in education read this book." -- Dana Sanner, Middle School Science Teacher "This research-based book provides a framework for implementing the Common Core State Standards, along with 21st-Century Skills, assessments, teacher evaluation, and best teaching practices for the classroom." -- Jeanine Nakakura, STEM Resource Teacher "We seek authenticity in our important leadership work with implementing Common Core State Standards in our schools and districts. This invaluable resource offers relevance and reality to this crucial task. It should be on every education leader's bookshelf within easy reach." -- Cheryl A. Dunkle, Professional Development Associate "While broad in scope, the text is well-written with many useful tables covering correlations between the old standards and the Common Core, as well as examples of curriculum maps, lesson plans, and strategies. The authors clearly demonstrate the authentic integration of 21st century literacy skills. The specificity of these tables, along with appendices, makes this book a usable working document for teachers. The examples will give Common Core schools a soundly-based jumpstart into the process of instructional redesign." -- Library Media Connection, August/September 2014