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Leading the Common Core State Standards
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Leading the Common Core State Standards
From Common Sense to Common Practice

Foreword by Douglas B. Reeves



May 2012 | 184 pages | Corwin
Transform your school using proven core curriculum practices

Many educators agree that we already know how to foster student success, so what is keeping common sense from becoming common practice? The author provides step-by-step guidance for overcoming the barriers to adopting the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and achieving equity and excellence for all students. As an experienced teacher and principal, Cheryl Dunkle is well versed in staff members' perspectives and gives school leaders valuable tools for fostering the teacher and parent buy-in needed to put the CCSS into practice. This practical guide shows leaders how to implement the CCSS, which will ultimately result in continuous quality improvement in schools. Leading the Common Core State Standards addresses these key issues and more:
  • Communicating the CCSS to teachers and parents and attaining their buy-in
  • Transitioning schools and districts to align with the CCSS
  • Determining which teaching and learning practices need to change
  • Garnering resources and support for reforms
Many timesaving and supportive professional learning resources are provided, including guiding questions, an annotated bibliography, and a list of helpful references. These tools equip leaders to create collaborative structures and a climate of trust for sharing professional expertise and expanding the capacity of every staff member. There are no effective "quick fixes" in education. However, the steps outlined in this book will put you, your staff, and your students on a common-sense path to success.

 
Foreword by Douglas B. Reeves
 
Preface
 
Acknowledgments
 
About the Author
 
1. What Matters Most
Are Outstanding Teachers Born or Made?

 
The Heart of Matter

 
This Isn’t Kansas Anymore, Toto

 
Mindsets

 
Teacher Leadership

 
Change Is Sometimes Messy and Uncomfortable

 
What Happens Next with CCSS Reform?

 
From Common Sense to Common Practice in Teacher Leadership

 
 
2. Leading with Roots and Wings
Consider This Scenario

 
Variations on the Leadership Theme

 
The Wings of Vision

 
The Roots of Coherence

 
From Common Sense to Common Practice in School Leadership

 
 
3. The Promises and Possibilities of Common Core State Standards
Are We Still A Nation At Risk?

 
Building Background Knowledge about CCSS

 
See the Light or Feel the Heat

 
Progressive and Pragmatic Solutions

 
A Closer Look at Common Core State Standards

 
From Common Sense to Common Practice with CCSS

 
 
4. A Relevant and Rigorous Common Core Curriculum
Something of Substance

 
Common and Core

 
Constructing the Conversation

 
How the World Works

 
Thought Partners

 
From Common Sense to Common Practice in Defining a CCSS Curriculum

 
 
5. Inviting students to Learn
The Power of Deeply Understanding Instruction

 
The Power of Deeply Implementing Nonfiction Writing

 
The Power of Deeply Utilizing Dimensions of Learning

 
The Power of Differentiation

 
From Common Sense to Common Practice in Instruction

 
 
6. Powerful Professional Learning for Adults
Adult Learning Theory

 
Implications for Professional Development

 
Options for Quality Professional Learning

 
From Common Sense to Common Practice in Professional Development

 
 
7. Next-Generation Assessment Systems
Lessons Old and New About Assessment Systems

 
Two Consortia Will Potentially Provide the Answers

 
Deliberate Classroom Formative Assessment: A Must

 
Performance Tasks to Promote Learning

 
From Common Sense to Common Practice in Next-Generation Assessment Systems

 
 
8. Powerful Learning Through Powerful Technology
The National Education Technology Plan

 
Horizon Report: 2011 K-12 Edition

 
Technological Implications for Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment

 
Measuring What Matters

 
Technological Infrastructures

 
From Common Sense to Common Practice in Technology

 
 
9. Accountability for Excellence and Equity
Understanding Total Quality

 
The Story Behind the Numbers

 
Standards-Based Accountability

 
Teachers Take the Lead

 
System Things: Not Single Things

 
From Common Sense to Common Practice in Holistic Accountability

 
 
References
 
Suggested Reading
 
Index

"One leaves this engaging book knowing and thinking more about the Common Core and one's role as a leader. Kudos to the author for doing this in a manner that leaves readers feeling like they just left a high-quality professional development experience."

Bonnie Tryon, Former Principal
School Administrators Association of New York State

"This book is one of the best I have read for moving educators beyond a cursory knowledge of the Common Core Standards. The author provides current research and years of experience to motivate and lead teachers, ensuring that they have the tools to help children succeed in the 21st century."

Jason Thompson, Assistant Principal
Schalmont Central School District, Schenectady, NY

"This book provides an excellent opportunity to engage teacher leaders in leading the way with Common Core Standards."

Freda Hicks, Assistant Principal
Grady Brown Elementary School, Hillsborough, NC

"This book is a must-read for all administrators and practicing classroom teachers who are faced with the challenge of implementing Common Core State Standards. It is a practical guide to understanding CCSS and provides support for the challenges of restructuring classrooms to produce 21st century learners ready for global citizenship."

Susan Stewart, Assistant Professor
Ashland University, Ashland, OH
Key features

Several timesaving and supportive professional learning elements are provided:

  • Each chapter's conclusion contains a list of Key Ideas and Guiding Questions for use as topics in professional learning communities.
  • Annotated bibliography offering current resources and references

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ISBN: 9781452283968

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