Common Core State Standards in Action

Need testimonials on the advantages of the Common Core?  Check this out!

http://www.achieve.org/common-core-state-standards-action

Are Your Classroom Materials, Resources & Assessments Aligned to the Core?

Great discussions are occurring during teacher collaboration/PLC time that lends itself to me sharing the link below.  Often as educator are ensuring that what they are teaching is aligned to the Common Core standards, they also debate whether the materials, resources, and assessments they are using in their classroom are also aligned to the Core.  Check out a fantastic resource @Achievethecore.org to assist teachers with this work.

http://achievethecore.org/page/285/toolkit-content-list-page?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Toolkit+March+Update+Email&utm_content=Toolkit+March+Update+Email+CID_91509ef5fcdb21736906bcf30a5543b9&utm_source=Email%2520marketing%2520software&utm_term=Toolkit

So You Think You're Implementing the Iowa Core Standards?

As we work with teachers across the state focused on the implementation of the Iowa Core Standards we are reminded of this great tool to identify their level of implementation using the Common Core State Standards Innovation Configuration Map for Transitional Dialogue @ http://dmfa3ba8wpnh6.cloudfront.net/00/000147887cd534a7df9b7cbbd80006/file/122463-CCSSConfigurationMap.pdf

From Common Core Standards to Curriculum: Five Big Ideas

From Common Core Standards to Curriculum: Five Big Ideas by Jay McTighe and Grant Wiggins

http://grantwiggins.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/mctighe_wiggins_final_common_core_standards.pdf

Fine Arts Alignment with the Iowa Core Universal Constructs Resources

The Fine Arts Alignment with the Iowa Core Universal Constructs resources were written to illustrate how fine arts teachers can align their instruction to the universal constructs from the Iowa Core. By showing connections between the universal constructs and fine arts, these resources demonstrate how fine arts support the implementation of the Iowa Core.

Fine arts are particularly well-suited in supporting students in developing the universal constructs important for success in the 21st Century. The Fine Arts Iowa Core Companion documents can be located on/at https://www.educateiowa.gov/pk-12/content-areas/arts

Iowa Core Companion documents are intended to fulfill the charge from the Iowa Department of Education that the “work” of implementing the Iowa Core is the responsibility of all educators in Iowa. Iowa Core Companion documents provide support and resources for educators wishing to identify connections to the Iowa Core. The information provided in the companion documents is not required of all schools or districts.

For assistance please contact Rosanne Malek, rosanne.malek@iowa.gov

Parent Roadmaps to the Common Core Standards

Need a resource to communicate the Common Core to Parents? Check out http://cgcs.org/Page/328  Parent Roadmaps to the Common Core Standards

Top 5 Iowa Core Implementation THINGS TO DO

OK, I wish a "Top 5" was that simple, but to make it manageable, I thought I'd start with a couple of things that districts should be working on during their continued implementation of the Iowa Core.

• #1  Bring together your District Leadership Team and revisit your Iowa Core Implementation Plan..what does the plan say you're going to do and are you doing it?  If so....celebrate....if not, why not? 
• #2  Does/how does your plan need to be revised to better meet current Iowa Department of Educations expectations and initiatives?
• #3  Which outcome(s) of the Iowa Core are you committed to and incorporating into your districts Professional Development Plan?
• #4  What is your district doing to better understand, implement, differentiate, and extend the learning opportunities of the Iowa Core Standards?
• #5  Are teaching practices in your districts transforming to better align with the Characteristics of Effective Instruction?