Resources for Implementing Common Core

One of the most talked about issues in public education is implementation of the Common Core State Standards. Every state is at a slightly different stage of development but implementing the common core has significant implications for teachers and principals. I'm always looking for resources that can help principals and their teachers deal with these issues. and recently found two helpful free resources.

• The first is a Research Into Practice brief prepared by Practical Leadership for principals in the Oregon GEAR UP program. It provides an overview of the issues and includes an abundant set of links to even more materials and resources.
• The second is an Education Week Spotlight - Professional Learning in the Common Core Era. It also includes readings and links to resources that are easily downloadable as a PDF.

I hope you find these resources helpful and would enjoy hearing from you about your experience implementing the common core.

Principals and the Common Core

Early in February I spent a week working with several middle and high schools in Oregon. In every school the principal talked about adoption of the Common Core and how they were working with their teachers to be ready for the implementation. As many of you know implementing Common Core standards will change the way many schools and classrooms are organized. An emphasis on greater rigor, higher-level thinking and authentic assessments may challenge some of your teachers and may not be well understood by families.

This week I read a thoughtful eduptopia blog by Erin Powers How Will the Common Core Change What We Do. It's a really helpful summary of the anticipated changes and how to plan for their arrival.

I'd enjoy hearing from you about how your planning for implementation of the Common Core.