Shifting Instruction to Meet Fewer, Clearer and Higher Expectations: Common Core State Standards

The wide acceptance of the new Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and their demand for high levels of performance from students has forced teachers throughout the country to deal with overwhelming and fundamental changes in the way they teach and students learn. This handbook provides crucial and timely information, strategies, and best practices designed to help schools create a successful plan for implementing CCSS.

Topics covered in this handbook include:

• creating a culture of awareness of the need for change
• strategies for garnering support for this change from school leadership and staff, as well as from the community, parents, and students
• implementing new assessment programs to accompany CCSS
• ongoing professional development to create aligned assessments
• designing performance events, work in interdisciplinary situations, and work involving practical technology—each of which requires students to apply their knowledge to real-world situations