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