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

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.

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

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.    

Review :
"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, Former Principal "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, Assistant Principal "This book provides an excellent opportunity to engage teacher leaders in leading the way with Common Core Standards." -- Freda Hicks, Assistant Principal "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, Assistant Professor