1. A significant and historic opportunity for states to collectively develop and adopt a core set of academic standards in Mathematics and English/Language Arts

2.  These Common Core Standards will be a critical first step to bring about real and meaningful transformation of our education system to benefit all students  The Common Core Standards help define the knowledge and skills all students need to succeed in college and careers  Expectations will be consistent for all students

3.  Provides consistency across states  Allows for equal access  Prepares students to compete globally  Allows for more focused professional development  Allows for the development of a common assessment  Provides the opportunity to compare and evaluate policies that affect student achievement across states

4. Students leave high school prepared for postsecondary success in college or a career through increased student learning and improved teaching

5. Define knowledge and skills students should have within K-12 education careers so that they will graduate high school able to succeed in careers and college. The English language arts and mathematics standards: ◦ Align with college and work expectations; ◦ Are clear, understandable, consistent; ◦ Include rigorous content and application of knowledge; ◦ Build on strengths and lessons of current state standards; and ◦ Prepare all students for success in global economy and society. They do not: ◦ Dictate how teachers teach ◦ Dictate what instructional / curricular materials should be used

6. ANCHORED IN COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS

7. 7 1.Solve problems 2. Manage oneself 3. Adapt to change 4. Analyze / conceptualize

8. 5. Reflect on / improve performance 6. Communicate 7. Work in teams 8. Create / innovate / critique 9. Engage in learning throughout life

9.  Adopted by the State Board on July 7, 2010  Support the State Board’s 5-Year Plan  Support Connecticut’s Secondary School Reform  The Core is internationally benchmarked  The Core prepare all students to succeed in a global economy

11.  External System Review ◦ Examine the current status of our district to assess our preparation to roll out the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) ◦ Curriculum, instruction and assessment ◦ Leadership – school-based and central office ◦ Professional development ◦ School visits – classroom observations and interviews

12. Internal and External Stakeholders Norwalk Acts - October 19, 3:00 – 4:15 at Nathan Hale MS

13.  Review background documents  Collect data o-site from various stakeholders and focus groups  Analyze data  Prepare a report  Involve district stakeholders in a follow-up feedback and engagement session  Set a plan to support the rollout of the CCSS

14. We need to work together for the future of all of Norwalk's students!!!