The Common Core State Standards

What is the Common Core (CCSS)? A state-led effort to develop a common set of standards in English language arts (ELA) and math that: Align college and workplace expectations Are rigorous and evidence-based The CCSS have been adopted by 46 states Implementation beginning now New state assessments, called the Common Core exams will be fazed in starting this spring A parallel effort was developed for Next Generation Science Standards that where released in December 2012

The CCSS Initiative Partnership was also formed the ACT and the College Board. States can include additional standards beyond the Core as long as the Core represent at least 85%.

Common Core State Standards The Three C’s: –College –Career –Citizenship

Key Characteristics Fewer Higher Broad Expectations Consistent Across Content Areas "Staircase of Increasing Complexity Across Grades" "Progressive Development" College, Workforce Training Expectations

Common Core = Major Change and Mindset Shift The Common Core State Standards: Are for all students, not just students seeking accelerated learning. Will impact all teachers, not just English and math teachers. Is happening now.

Why Common Core State Standards? Low college completion rates Inconsistent state standards

Features of the Common Core State Standards – English Language Arts Balance between informational text and literature Comprehending complex texts Writing in response to texts Conducting and reporting on research Language and grammar skills Speaking and listening Cross-content literacy

Features of the Common Core State Standards – Math Emphasis on mathematical practices Attention to focus and coherence Problem solving and reasoning Mathematical modeling Real world application

What comes next after adoption? Understanding current alignmentChanges in curriculum & instruction Preparing for new assessmentsProfessional Development Implementation

Understanding Current Alignment Alignment is one of the first steps for states and districts towards implementing the Common Core. Content AlignmentTo what degree does the Common Core and state standards address the same content knowledge and skills? RigorAre the state standards and assessments at the same level of rigor as the Common Core? ProgressionDo the state standards and assessments address Common Core content at the same grade level?

Lexiles A vertical scale from zero to Lexile measures evaluate how complex a text will likely be for a reader to comprehend so that the reader can be matched with texts that best complement his or her unique ability level and reading goals.

Lexile Framework ® for Reading Study Summary of Text Lexile Measures Text Lexile Measure (L) High School Literature College Literature High School Textbooks College Textbooks Military Personal Use Entry-Level Occupations SAT 1, ACT, AP* * Source of National Test Data: MetaMetrics Interquartile Ranges Shown (25% - 75%)

2005–06 Lexile Framework ® for Reading Study Summary of High School Textbook Lexile Measures Text Lexile Measure (L) ELAScience Social StudiesArtsCTEMath Subject Area Textbooks Interquartile Ranges Shown (25% – 75%)

GradeLexile Target Common Core State Standards – Grade level Targets

Changes in Curriculum and Instruction The Common Core will require significant curricular and instructional shifts that will impact all classrooms. Curriculum AlignmentTo what degree will district and state curricula need to change to be aligned to the Common Core? Instructional StrategiesWhat new instructional approaches are needed to teach to these new standards? Materials and ResourcesWhat new resources and instructional materials are needed? What resources are available?

Impact – Big Changes Know and be able to do Rigor Skill Teaching and Learning Application School Wide

Impact Change the way we teach –Depth over Breadth –Literacy Rich –Media Skills –Know the answer vs. Find the answer...and explain –Engagement > MUST –Research Skills

Common Assessments Two state consortia are building assessment systems to measure the Common Core State Standards. The assessments systems will: Provide a common measure of college and career readiness Be computer-based and include innovative item types Measure higher order skills and application of knowledge through multiple assessment formats Include formative assessments and performance tasks Provide timely data to educators and parents Ensure comparable expectations regardless of where students live

Assessments Effective 2014 – 2015 Partnership for the Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) / / New Tests Provide timely, frequent and actionable diagnostic feedback to the teachers and students to inform teaching and learning.

Resources The Common Core State Standards Initiative: EngageNY Partnership for the Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers(PARCC) :

So what do we have….