5 Big Ideas From Common Core Standards

5 Big Ideas From Common Core Standards

Many districts are trying to help their teachers understand why the Common Core Standards are different from previous sets of standards. But, as often happens with “big” changes in education, educators are left to figure out the details on their own. Fortunately, good resources are beginning to hit mainstream education channels.

Education researchers Jay McTigue and Grant Wiggins have written an engaging white paper on their understanding of the Common Core Standards. You can download the white paper at the ASCD site here https://bit.ly/WVx0Gb. This experienced writing team evaluates how the Common Core Standards are different from previous standards. Their five big takeaways are:

1. The Common Core Standards are not just a new label for an old idea. Instead of immediately focusing on the grade level standards, educators are encouraged to have a collaborative discussion with colleagues first about how the Common Core will change their teaching practice.
2. Standards are NOT curriculum. A standard is an outcome and it’s up to educators to integrate the standards into effective curriculum.
3. The Common Core Standards need to be “unpacked” into: a) Long term transfer goals – what students should be able to do b) Overarching understanding – their ability to transfer learning to new situations c) Overarching essential questions – how students make meaning and deepen understanding d) Set of reoccurring cornerstone tasks – curriculum embedded tasks that students apply in authentic and relevant context
4. A coherent curriculum is mapped backwards from desired performances – not just a listing of content inputs. There’s a different focus now – what will students do with this key content now that they’ve learned it?
5. Standards come to life through assessments. These are not just learning about specified learning goals but also address the desired qualities of student work and the degree of rigor to be achieved.

Here at Califone, our focus is on helping you successfully navigate these new waters of these Common Core Standards. We will continue to share resources as they become available. Take a minute and let us know how this shift is affecting your teaching.