Leading the Common Core State Standards: From Common Sense to Common Practice

by Cheryl A. Dunkle

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781452283968
Publisher:	SAGE Publications
Publication date:	05/01/2012
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	184
File size:	1 MB

About the Author

Consulting Description


Cheryl Dunkle is a Professional Development Associate with the Leadership and Learning Center located in Englewood, Colorado. She works with educators across the country in the areas of assessment, accountability, and standards implementation. She was a practicing elementary principal with Douglas County Schools from 1983-2001. Previous to that, she served as an elementary guidance counselor and a teacher of primary students for fourteen years. She retired from public education in July of 2001.

In addition to her leadership in public schools, Cheryl has taught for several colleges and universities both online and in face-to-face courses and has coordinated a cohort teacher education program in the Denver metro area. Cheryl has a wealth of experience with professional development, including work as a district trainer of trainers in the areas of early childhood education, effective teaching strategies, group facilitation, Cognitive Coaching, student discipline, and techniques for success in working with parents. She has extensive knowledge in adult development and learning theory, as well as standards-based education and data driven decision-making. Her current area of study and interest is investigating the elements of successful implementation of the Common Core State Standards.

 

Recognitions for her work include: National Distinguished Principal, president of the Colorado Association of Elementary School Principals and recipient of their department service award, member of the coordinating council for the Colorado Association of School Executives, and selection as planning principal for a new elementary school in Douglas County. Cheryl gained invaluable knowledge and skills about teaching, learning, and leadership through each of these challenging and rewarding professional experiences.

 

 

Table of 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

Editorial Reviews

"One leaves this engaging book knowing and thinking more about the Common Core and one's role as a leader. Kudos to the author for doing this in a manner that leaves readers feeling like they just left a high-quality professional development experience. "

Bonnie Tryon

"This book provides an excellent opportunity to engage teacher leaders in leading the way with Common Core Standards. "

Freda Hicks

"This book is one of the best I have read for moving educators beyond a cursory knowledge of the Common Core Standards. The author provides current research and years of experience to motivate and lead teachers, ensuring that they have the tools to help children succeed in the 21st century. "

Jason Thompson

"This book is a must-read for all administrators and practicing classroom teachers who are faced with the challenge of implementing Common Core State Standards. It is a practical guide to understanding CCSS and provides support for the challenges of restructuring classrooms to produce 21st century learners ready for global citizenship. "

Susan Stewart