Introduction

Welcome to Understanding & Implementing Common Core Standards, an interactive computer-based instruction course designed to give you a deeper understanding of the rationale for and structure of this particular standards-based framework. In this course you will learn a number of factors that contributed to the overall design of the Common Core Standards as well as practical pedagogical approaches that will support practitioners working toward deeper implementation. We will reflect on the instructional “shifts” emphasized throughout the Common Core Standards and contextualize the shifts based on the diverse population of students course participants serve. Understanding & Implementing Common Core Standards will also provide connections to a variety of instructional considerations that will support implementation regardless of educational context. Practitioners will be provided opportunities to reflect on current practice and the degree to which they align with the Common Core Standards as well as with colleagues across a wide range of settings implementing these standards.

This computer-based instruction course is a self-supporting program that provides instruction, structured practice, and evaluation all on your home or school computer. Technical support information can be found in the Help section of your course.

Course Materials (Online)

Title: Understanding & Implementing Common Core Standards

Instructor Name: Dr. Pamela Bernards, Ed.D.

Facilitator Name Professor Steven Dahl, M.Ed.

Publisher: Virtual Education Software, inc. 2014, Revised 2016

Academic Integrity Statement

The structure and format of most distance-learning courses presumes a high level of personal and academic integrity in completion and submission of coursework. Individuals enrolled in a distance-learning course are expected to adhere to the following standards of academic conduct.

Academic Work

Academic work submitted by the individual (such as papers, assignments, reports, tests) shall be the student’s own work or appropriately attributed, in part or in whole, to its correct source. Submission of commercially prepared (or group prepared) materials as if they are one’s own work is unacceptable.

Aiding Honesty in Others

The individual will encourage honesty in others by refraining from providing materials or information to another person with knowledge that these materials or information will be used improperly.

Violations of these academic standards will result in the assignment of a failing grade and subsequent loss of credit for the course.

Level of Application

This course is designed for anyone working to implement the Common Core State Standards with a diverse learning population across the K-12 spectrum. While the information presented may have relevance to any student-centered educational setting, it will have the most relevance for K-12 mixed ability classrooms.

Expected Learning Outcomes

As a result of this course, participants will demonstrate their ability to:

1) Understand the major shifts in English and Language Arts/Literacy (ELA) and Mathematics

reflected in the Common Core State Standards (CCSS)

2) Learn about the design features of the CCSS (what to teach) and implications for professional

practice (how to teach it)

3) Explore research-based pedagogical strategies that align with what is emphasized in the CCSS

4) Appreciate the importance of mapping any implementation gap that may exist between current

personal practice and what research indicates aligns with the CCSS

5) Self-reflect on the degree to which a "CCSS mindset" has been developed that supports the "what"

(CCSS), the "how" (instruction), and the "who" (ALL learners) required for implementation

6) Develop a plan of action with implementation strategies designed to deepen student learning as well

as generate evidence of your actions

7) Recognize the connection between the creation of equitable learning conditions and developing a

"Common Core Mindset" that integrates a number of dimensions

8) Distinguish between "rigor" and "difficulty" and understand the implications for teachers

9) Articulate the difference between a "fixed" and a "growth" orientation and implications of each view

for students and teachers

10) Self-assess the priority level to teach students that ability is expandable

11) Learn a seven-step process for teaching students that ability is expandable

12) Learn a four-step process for articulating standards and increasing student ownership over learning

outcomes

13) Recognize the ways that student and teacher self-efficacy are interconnected

14) Learn the purpose of and a process for providing effective prescriptive feedback

15) Understand the significance of the emergence of educational neuroscience as it relates to implanting

the Common Core Standards

16) Understand the importance of explicitly teaching academic language and methods for increasing

student ownership of learning

17) Delineate the difference between a teaching strategy and a learning strategy

18) Articulate the rationale for using the compare and contrast learning strategy when implementing the

Common Core Standards

19) Use web-based tools designed to simultaneously engage students with primary source documents

and in higher order thinking skills

20) Learn strategies to increase comprehension and problem-solving skills

21) Develop an understanding of the role of reasoning and argument in the CCSS

22) Recognize why writing in numerous formats is an essential cross-cutting strategy

23) Provide evidence of professional context and learning within a course using a reflection strategy for

further planning implementation of the CCSS

Course Description

This course, Understanding & Implementing Common Core Standards, has been divided into four chapters. The organization of the course covers the rationale for and design of the Common Core State Standards, the “Common Core Mindset” practitioners need for successful implementation, and what specific actions can be taken for deeper implementation across settings.

Chapter 1: Introduction to the Shifts Resulting From CCSS Implementation

Chapter 2: Developing a CCSS Mindset

Chapter 3: Common Core Mindset in Action

Chapter 4: Thinking Through the Core

Course Overview

In Chapter 1, we will outline the rationale for and structure of the Common Core State Standards. The major shifts in English and Language Arts/Literacy (ELA) and Mathematics reflected in the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) will be covered. An overview of design features of the CCSS (or “what to teach”) will be connected to the practical implications for providing instruction (or “how to teach”). Research-based pedagogical strategies aligned with what is emphasized in the CCSS are highlighted. The importance of mapping any implementation gap between current practice and what is needed to deeply implement the Common Core Standard will also be explored.

In Chapter 2, we will move past the "what" of standards to identify the underlying principles teachers need to understand when implementing the CCSS. Teachers who take time to re-examine their operating principles are in the best position to know how well their approach aligns with what the authors of the CCSS had in mind when developing the standards. This is what is referred to in this course as developing the “CCSS Mindset.” Clarification will be made between “rigor” and “difficulty” and the implications will be discussed for teachers as they work to create equitable learning conditions. We will also articulate the difference between a “fixed” and a “growth” orientation and the implications of each view for students and teachers. A self-assessment tool will be used so course participants can determine the priority level to which course participants and their students believe that ability is expandable. A seven-step process for directly teaching students that ability is expandable is also provided.

In Chapter 3, the emphasis will be on designing accessible learning conditions in partnership with students. We do this in partnership with learners in ways that will accelerate their growth toward college, career, and citizenship. The various ways in which student and teacher self-efficacy are interconnected will be discussed. In light of these interconnections, a four-step process for articulating standards and increasing student ownership over learning outcomes will be outlined. Additionally, the purpose of and a process for providing effective prescriptive feedback will be provided. As it pertains to the implementation of the Common Core Standards, the significance of the emergence of educational neuroscience and corollary strategies will be outlined. The importance of explicitly teaching academic language and methods for increasing student ownership of learning across settings will also be outlined. Participants will be supported to think through how they will approach students who struggle when implementing the Common Core Standards and the role of differentiation.

In Chapter 4, we will further explore how implementation of the Common Core Standards is aimed at deepening student comprehension and higher order thinking skills. The difference between a teaching strategy and a learning strategy will be discussed in conjunction with a particular implementation strategy, compare and contrast. Specific web-based tools for designing engaging learning activities using primary source documents and for engaging students in higher order thinking skills will be provided. The importance of student use of reasoning and argument in writing across the CCSS is addressed. Course participants will be provided a tool for further reflection on their own implementation of the standards and support in planning for any changes identified through reflection.

Each chapter contains additional handouts that cover specific topics from the chapter in greater depth. They are provided for you to read, ponder, and apply to the setting in which you work. Some of the handouts are directly related to the concepts and content of the specific chapter, but also included are handouts indirectly related to provide extended learning connections.

Student Expectations

As a student you will be expected to:

· Complete all four information sections showing a competent understanding of the material presented in each section.

· Complete all four section examinations, showing a competent understanding of the material presented. You must obtain an overall score of 70% or higher, with no individual exam score below 50%, to pass this course. *Please note: Minimum exam score requirements may vary by college or university; therefore, you should refer to your course addendum to determine what your minimum exam score requirements are.

· Complete a review of any section on which your examination score was below 50%.

· Retake any examination, after completing an information review, to increase that examination score to a minimum of 50%, making sure to also be achieving an overall exam score of a minimum 70% (maximum of three attempts). *Please note: Minimum exam score requirements may vary by college or university; therefore, you should refer to your course addendum to determine what your minimum exam score requirements are.

· Complete a course evaluation form at the end of the course.

Examinations

At the end of each chapter, you will be expected to complete an examination designed to assess your knowledge. You may take these exams a total of three times. Your last score will save, not the highest score. After your third attempt, each examination will lock and not allow further access. Your final grade for the course will be determined by calculating an average score of all exams. This score will be printed on your final certificate. As this is a self-paced computerized instruction program, you may review course information as often as necessary. You will not be able to exit any examinations until you have answered all questions. If you try to exit the exam before you complete all questions, your information will be lost. You are expected to complete the entire exam in one sitting.

Facilitator Description

Understanding & Implementing Common Core Standards has been developed with the widest possible audience in mind because the core principles and practices of implementation need to be applied across K-12 settings. The primary goal of the course is to provide the rationale for the Common Core Standards (the why) and what research-based pedagogical approaches will help practitioners implement these standards in their unique context. The course acknowledges that practitioners are at varying stages of implementing these standards, so opportunities for self-reflection, learning about cross-cutting implementation strategies, and action planning are based on each course participant’s current practice and context.

Steve Dahl, the instructor of record, has served as a district-level administrator overseeing a

variety of federal programs, such as Special Education, English Language Learning (ELL), and Title 1, for the past 10 years. He has a Master’s Degree in Special Education and has completed post-Master’s coursework to obtain a Washington State Administrator Credential which certifies him to oversee programs ranging from Preschool settings through 12^th grade (as well as post-secondary vocational programs for 18-21 year old students). He has 22 years of combined experience in resource-room special education classrooms, inclusion support in a comprehensive high school, and provision of support to adults with disabilities in accessing a wide range of in-school and community learning opportunities. Please contact Professor Dahl if you have course content or examination questions.

Instructor Description

Pamela Bernards has 30 years of combined experience in diverse PK–8 and high school settings as a teacher and an administrator. In addition to these responsibilities, she was the founding director of a K-8 after-school care program and founder of a pre-school program for infants to 4-year-olds. As a principal, her school was named a U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon School of Excellence in 1992, as was the school at which she served as curriculum coordinator in 2010. She currently serves as a principal in a PK3–Grade 8 school. Areas of interest include curriculum, research-based teaching practices, staff development, assessment, data-driven instruction, and instructional intervention (remediation and gifted/talented). She received a doctorate in Leadership and Professional Practice from Trevecca Nazarene University. Please contact Professor Dahl if you have course content or examination questions.

Contacting the Facilitator

You may contact the facilitator by emailing Professor Dahl at steve_dahl@virtualeduc.com or calling him at 509-891-7219, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. PST. Phone messages will be answered within 24 hours. Phone conferences will be limited to ten minutes per student, per day, given that this is a self-paced instructional program. Please do not contact the instructor about technical problems, course glitches, or other issues that involve the operation of the course.

Technical Questions

If you have questions or problems related to the operation of this course, please try everything twice. If the problem persists please check our support pages for FAQs and known issues at www.virtualeduc.com and also the Help section of your course.

If you need personal assistance then email support@virtualeduc.com or call (509) 891-7219. When contacting technical support, please know your course version number (it is located at the bottom left side of the Welcome Screen) and your operating system, and be seated in front of the computer at the time of your call.

Minimum Computer Requirements

Please refer to VESi’s website: www.virtualeduc.com or contact VESi if you have further questions about the compatibility of your operating system.

Refer to the addendum regarding Grading Criteria, Course Completion Information, Items to be Submitted and how to submit your completed information. The addendum will also note any additional course assignments that you may be required to complete that are not listed in this syllabus.

Bibliography (Suggested Readings)

Achieve the Core developed by Student Achievement Partners

Free, ready-to-use classroom resources designed to help educators understand and implement the Common Core and other college and career ready standards

http://achievethecore.org/

Coherence Map for Common Core State Standards in Mathematics

http://achievethecore.org/page/1118/coherence-map

Deep Dive Into the Math Shifts

http://achievethecore.org/page/400/deep-dive-into-the-math-shifts

Instructional Practice Toolkit and Classroom Videos

The Instructional Practice Toolkit is designed for use by teachers and those who support teachers to build understanding and experience with instruction aligned to College and Career Readiness (CCR) standards in mathematics and ELA/literacy.

http://achievethecore.org/category/1193/instructional-practice-toolkit-and-classroom-videos

Lesson Planning Resources

Rather than focusing exclusively on literacy skills, the Common Core State Standards set expectations for the complexity of texts students need to be able to read to be ready for college and careers. This collection includes tools to help with each step and research to support teachers' understanding of text complexity. To plan a close-reading lesson with text complexity in mind, use the Lesson Planning Tool.

http://achievethecore.org/lesson-planning-tool/

Progressions Documents for the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics

http://achievethecore.org/page/254/progressions-documents-for-the-common-core-state-standards-for-mathematics

Recognize Alignment

Deepen your knowledge of the Shifts and Standards; learn what to look for in aligned materials.

http://achievethecore.org/aligned/category/recognize-alignment/

Understand How CCSS Aligned Assessment is Different

All of the mini-assessments presented are designed to highlight the math Shifts of Focus, Coherence, and Rigor. The resources below explain what each of the Shifts look like in CCSS-aligned assessment. Learn more about the math Shifts.

http://achievethecore.org/page/2732/understand-how-ccss-aligned-assessment-is-different

Understand the Common Core State Standards Shifts in Mathematics

http://achievethecore.org/page/900/the-common-core-state-standards-shifts-in-mathematics

Understand the Mathematics Tasks

http://achievethecore.org/page/2738/understand-the-mathematics-tasks

Understanding the Shifts

http://achievethecore.org/category/419/the-shifts

American Federation of Teachers (2016). A Teacher’s Guide to the Common Core: A Resource Guide for Success in English Language Arts for Teachers Who Work with English Learners and Students with Disabilities

http://achievethecore.org/page/2892/a-teacher-s-guide-to-the-common-core-a-resource-guide-for-success-in-english-language-arts-for-teachers-who-work-with-english-learners-and-students-with-disabilities

Bloom, B. (1956). Taxonomy of educational objectives: Handbook 1. New York, NY: David McKay.

Brookhart, S. (2010). How to assess higher-order thinking skills in your classroom. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.

Brophy, J. (1998, May). Failure syndrome students. ERIC Digest. Retrieved from http://ecap.crc.illinois.edu
/eecearchive/digests/1998/brophy98.pdf

California’s Department of Education. (n.d.). Resilience—Strengthening protective factors and developmental assets. Retrieved from http://pubs.cde.ca.gov/tcsii/ch8/resilience.aspx

Common Core State Standards

National Governors Association Center for Best Practices, Council of Chief State School Officers Title: Common Core State Standards. Publisher: National Governors Association Center for Best Practices, Council of Chief State School Officers, Washington D.C. Copyright Date: 2010

Myths vs. Facts

http://www.corestandards.org/about-the-standards/myths-vs-facts/

Read the ELA Standards

The Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects (“the standards”) represent the next generation of K–12 standards designed to prepare all students for success in college, career, and life by the time they graduate from high school.

http://www.corestandards.org/ELA-Literacy/

Read the Mathematics Standards

http://www.corestandards.org/Math/

Read the Standards

http://www.corestandards.org/read-the-standards/

Standards in Your State

http://www.corestandards.org/standards-in-your-state/

What Parents Should Know

http://www.corestandards.org/what-parents-should-know/

CCSSO General Resources

Common Core Implementation Video Series

To further aid states as they continue to implement the Common Core State Standards (Standards), the Hunt Institute and the Council of Chief State School Officers have commissioned a series of video vignettes that explain the Standards in far greater depth.

http://www.ccsso.org/Resources/Digital_Resources/Common_Core_Implementation_Video_Series.html

The Common Core State Standards: Supporting Districts and Teachers with Text Complexity
Provides states with additional Common Core State Standards implementation support, the Council of Chief State School Officers hosted a one-hour webinar to share tools and resources to support teachers and districts on text complexity, which is the linchpin of the ELA standards. The webinar featured Sue Pimentel, a member of the Common Core State Standards English language arts writing committee, as well as representatives from the Kansas and Louisiana Departments of Education.

http://www.ccsso.org/Resources/Digital_Resources/The_Common_Core_State_Standards_Supporting_Districts_and_Teachers_with_Text_Complexity.html

Common Core Webinar Series

http://www.ccsso.org/Resources/Digital_Resources/Common_Core_Webinar_Series.html

Joint Webinar CCSSO and ASCD on EduCore

http://www.ccsso.org/Resources/Digital_Resources/Joint_CCSSO-ASCD_Webinar_EduCore_Tools_for_Teaching_the_Common_Core_.html

Mathematics Common Core Standards and the Concept of Focus
CSSO hosted a webinar on the Common Core mathematics standards. The webinar included a presentation on the concept of focus in the Math standards, the work of the Math SCASS, and information on the Illustrative Mathematics Project.

http://www.ccsso.org/Resources/Digital_Resources/Mathematics_Common_Core_Standards_Webinar.html

Resources from the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) on Navigating Text Complexity

Chart Your Course

http://www.ccsso.org/Navigating_Text_Complexity/Chart_Your_Course.html

Explore Text Roadmaps

http://www.ccsso.org/Navigating_Text_Complexity/Explore_Text_Roadmaps.html

Finding State Resources to Implement the Common Core

http://www.ccsso.org/Navigating_Text_Complexity/Find_State_Resources_to_Support_Your_Journey_.html

Infographics, Posters and Foldable

http://www.ccsso.org/Navigating_Text_Complexity/Infographics_Posters_and_Foldable.html

Learning the Ropes

http://www.ccsso.org/Navigating_Text_Complexity/Learn_the_Ropes.html

Navigating Text Complexity

Website created by ELA State Collaborative on Assessment and Student Standards that includes resources for evaluating text complexity, model text roadmaps (comprehensive text complexity analyses), and model text sets (backbones for units of instruction). (Retrieved July 2017)

http://www.ccsso.org/Navigating_Text_Complexity.html

Support Students

http://www.ccsso.org/Navigating_Text_Complexity/Support_Students.html

Trouble Shooting Text Complexity

http://www.ccsso.org/Navigating_Text_Complexity/Troubleshooting_Text_Complexity.html

Dweck, C. (2010). Even geniuses work hard. Educational Leadership, 68(1), 16-20. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.

EduCore (ASCD, Free Resources to Implement the Common Core)

http://educore.ascd.org/

EngageNY (New York State Common Core State Standards)

https://www.engageny.org/common-core-curriculum

Fisher, D., Frey, N., & Lapp, D. (2012). Text complexity: Raising rigor in reading. Newark, DE: International Reading Association.

Francis, E. (2016). Now that’s a good question! How to promote cognitive rigor through classroom questioning. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.

Frizell, M., & Dunderdale, T. (2015). A Compendium of Research on the Common Core State Standards. Center for Education Policy.

This updated compendium includes over 85 research studies focused on the Common Core State Standards, and encompasses research from multiple sources, such as government entities, independent organizations, and peer-reviewed publications from academic journals and other outlets. Each study in the compendium has been summarized and categorized across nine topic areas. A URL link to the original research is also provided when possible. The compendium is presented below both as a single document as well as individual PDFs of the nine topic areas. The compendium will be updated regularly as the body of CCSS-related research grows. This latest version is updated as of February 10, 2015.

https://www.cep-dc.org/displayDocument.cfm?DocumentID=438

Goleman, D. (2005). Emotional intelligence: Why it can matter more than IQ. New York, NY: Bantam.

Goleman, D. (2007). Social intelligence: The new science of human relationships. New York, NY: Bantam.

Hillocks, G. (2011). Teaching argument writing. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann.

Hull, T. H., Miles, R. E. H., & Balkan, D. S. (2012). The Common Core mathematics practices: Transforming practices through team leadership. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin.

International Reading Association Common Core State Standards (CCSS) Committee. (2012). Literacy implementation guidance for the ELA Common Core State Standards [White paper]. Retrieved from http://www.reading.org/Libraries/association-documents/ira_ccss_guidelines.pdf

Jennings, J. (2012). Why have we fallen short and where do we go from here? Center for Educational Policy. Retrieved from http://www.cep-dc.org/displayDocument.cfm?DocumentID=392

Jensen, E. (2008). Brain-based learning: The new paradigm of teaching. San Francisco, CA: Corwin.

Kegan, R., & Lahey, L. (2009). Immunities to change. Boston, MA: Harvard Business Press.

Marzano, R. (2003). What works in schools: Translating research into action. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.

Marzano, R. (2007). The art and science of teaching: A comprehensive framework for effective teaching. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.

Marzano, R., Pickering, D., & Heflebower, T. (2011). The highly engaged classroom. Bloomington, IN: Solution Tree.

Medina, J. (2008) Brain rules. Seattle, WA: Pear Press.

Moss, C., & Brookhart, S. (2012). Learning targets: Helping students aim for understanding in today’s lesson. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.

Oregon Department of Education. (n.d.). Apply the concepts. Retrieved from

http://oregonliteracypd.uoregon.edu/topic/academic-language

Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PAARC)

http://parcc-assessment.org/

Robinson, K. (2011). Out of our minds: Learning to be creative. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley and Sons.

Reeves, D. (2010). Transforming professional development into student results. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.

Reeves, D., Wiggs, M., Lassiter, C., Piercy, T., Ventura, S., & Bell, B. (2011). Navigating implementation of the Common Core State Standards. Lead and Learn Press.

Schlechty, P. (2011). Engaging students: The next level of working on the work. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Schmoker, M. (2011). Focus: Elevating the essentials to radically improve student learning. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.

Silver, H., Dewing, R., & Perini, M. (2012). The core six: Essential strategies for achieving excellence with the Common Core. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.

Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium

http://www.smarterbalanced.org/about/

Resources for Educators

http://www.smarterbalanced.org/educators/

Sousa, D. (2010). Mind, brain, and education: Neuroscience implications for the classroom. Bloomington, IN: Solution Tree Press.

Sousa, D. A., & Tomlinson, C. A. (2011). Differentiation and the brain: How neuroscience supports the learner-friendly classroom. Bloomington, IN: Solution Tree Press.

Stiggins, R., & Chappuis, J. (2008, January). Enhancing student learning. Retrieved from

http://dr078.k12.sd.us/Library/PLC%20Resources/Enhancing%20Student%20Learning%20Through%20Formative%20Assessment.pdf

Swinney, R., & Velasco, P. (2011). Connecting content and academic language for English learners and struggling students grades 2-6. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin.

Tomlinson, C. & Imbeau, M. (2014). A differentiated approach to the Common Core: how do I help a broad range of learners succeed with challenging curriculum? Alexandria, VA: ASCD.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). School connectedness. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/protective/connectedness.htm

U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences. TIMSS 2007 results. National Center for Trends in International Math and Science Study (TIMSS). Retrieved from https://nces.ed.gov/timss/results07.asp

University of Oregon’s Brain Development Lab. (2008). Changing brains: Effects of experience on human brain development [DVD]. Available from www.changingbrains.org

Webb, N. (2002) Depth of knowledge (DOK) levels in 4 content areas. Retrieved from

http://facstaff.wcer.wisc.edu/normw/state%20alignment%20page%20one.htm

Wiliam, D. (2011). Embedded formative assessment. Bloomington, IN: Solution Tree Press.

Willis, J. (2006). Research-based strategies to ignite student learning: Insights from a neurologist and classroom teacher. Alexandria,VA: ASCD.

Wormelli, M. (2006). Fair Isn’t Always Equal: Assessing and Grading in the Differentiated Classroom. Portland, ME: Stenhouse.

Zwiers, J. and Crawford, M. (2011). Academic Conversations: classroom talk that fosters critical thinking and content understandings. Portland, ME: Stenhouse.

Course content is updated every three years. Due to this update timeline, some URL links may no longer be active or may have changed. Please type the title of the organization into the command line of any Internet browser search window and you will be able to find whether the URL link is still active or any new link to the corresponding organization's web home page.

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