Full Description
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.
Contents
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
