The Common Sense Guide to the Common Core: Teacher-Tested Tools for Implementation

by Katherine McKnight Ph.D.

Overview

Based on the original source document for the Common Core State Standards and tested by 1,000 educators in diverse classrooms across the country, these research-based tools will help readers examine their current practices and adapt existing curriculum. Each of the 40 tools is clearly presented, explained, and exemplified, guiding educators through every stage of implementing the CCSS across the curriculum—from gap analysis to lesson design to assessment. Includes online access to extensive matrices for unpacking all of the standards at all grade levels. Some people call it Common Core—in reality, it’s common sense. Downloadable digital content includes customizable forms and standards analysis matrices for all grade levels.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781575424682
Publisher:	Free Spirit Publishing
Publication date:	03/11/2014
Edition description:	Book with Digital Content
Pages:	240
Product dimensions:	8.40(w) x 10.90(h) x 0.70(d)
Age Range:	5 - 17 Years

About the Author

Katherine McKnight, Ph.D., is an author, educator, and consultant. Her career in education began as a high school English teacher in the Chicago Public School system more than 25 years ago. She has been an onsite professional development consultant for the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), and today she serves as a professor of secondary education at National Louis University and a member of the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium. Her previous books include Interdisciplinary Literacy for English, Social Studies and Humanities, Interdisciplinary Literacy for Science and Mathematics, Getting Students College and Career Ready: Using Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts (Grades 9–12), and The Teacher’s Big Book of Graphic Organizers, Grades 5–12, which was a recipient of the 2013 Teachers’ Choice Award. She lives in Chicago, Illinois.

Editorial Reviews

These tools are very useful. I can imagine using many of them in my role as CCSS facilitator. I wish I'd had this book a year ago!”—Kim Rensch, Middle Level CCSS Facilitator, Fargo Public Schools


“Dr. McKnight’s book provides, from beginning to end, a seamless guide for making the transition to the Common Core State Standards. She provides detailed information on exactly what the standards are and debunks the many myths surrounding them. The templates and tools can be used by schools and teachers just beginning the transition or those well on their way to full implementation . . . This book needs to be in the professional library of every school in every state that has adopted the Common Core State Standards.”—Edie Emery, language arts instructional specialist, Rutherford County Schools, Tennessee


“Katherine McKnight has created a systemic guide to step schools through a process for comprehensively embedding CCSS into effective practice. Forty tools, templates, and formats structure our examination of current practices, guide our critical reflection, and aid us in establishing action plans. McKnight offers schools step-by-step guidance and a way to critically examine the practices in place for those just beginning their work with the CCSS and those with implementation underway yet uncertain about the quality of implementation. This practical book is just what we need as we strive to make it work with the CCSS.”—Diane Heacox, Ed.D., associate professor of education at St. Catherine University and author of Differentiation for Gifted Learners (with Richard Cash), Differentiating Instruction in the Regular Classroom, and Making Differentiation a Habit


“Katie McKnight is a leading voice of reason and knowledge in the nuances of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). In this text, she brings authentic experience to a broad treatment of understanding, analyzing, transitioning, and differentiating the CCSS . . . The Common Sense Guide to the Common Core will be your “go-to” resource for ideas, strategies, and tools to propel your students toward success in the 21st century!”—Richard Cash, Ed.D., education consultant and author of Advancing Differentiation and Differentiation for Gifted Learners (with Diane Heacox, Ed.D.)

From the Publisher