Understanding Common Core State Standards, July/2011

Now that the Common Core standards are coming to just about every school, what every school leader needs is a straightforward explanation that lays out the benefits of the Common Core in plain English, provides a succinct overview, and gets everyone thinking about how to transition to this promising new paradigm. Search no more. This handy, inexpensive booklet helps you get everyone in your school community—teachers, parents, and other stakeholders—up to speed. Circulating multiple copies throughout your school will provide an overview of the new standards in English language arts/literacy and mathematics, highlighting their key aspects. Plus, there are numerous suggestions on transition activities for teachers and districts to consider, including

Creating a Crosswalk, which compares the content of the Common Core with your current standards.

Developing transition documents that support deeper understanding of the Common Core standards by using current standards as a bridge.

Taking the longer view of implementing the Common Core systemically.