Discover Great Common Core PD

guest post by Johnna Weller, Ed D.

guest post by Johnna Weller, Ed D.  
Note from Vicki: Johnna from Discovery Education,
wrote the recent post 15 Wrong Ways to implement Common Core.
Discovery is offering Common Core Academies this summer.
I've done work with Discovery and am a Den Star Educator and
Love their work, so I asked her to share about their Academies
this summer and what to expect. Having been part of
one of their STEM institutes, I know first hand what
an excellent job they do. I can personally attest to the
fact that their training is exciting, engaging, and hands on. As always
please review the disclosures at the bottom of this post.

Two weeks ago, I wrote about 15 Wrong Ways to Implement the Common Core.  Since then, I’ve been asked to list the “right” ways.  

Is there a Common Core "checklist?"

Wouldn’t it be awesome to have a list of things that, if completed, would ensure that your classroom/school/district was “Common Core-ized”?

But, it’s not that simple.  As much we educators love checklists (I make them almost daily!), I don’t believe that there is checklist for implementing the Common Core. 

We must be critical thinkers as we plan Common Core Implementation

Just as the Common Core requires deep and critical thinking of students, so it is the same for the adults.  As we design, plan, learn, and reflect on instructional practices that will move our lessons toward Common Core, we must be deep and critical thinkers -- not simply list-checkers. 

Instruction that builds deep and critical thinking is vital for our students everywhere, even in places that have not adopted the Common Core.  No matter where we are -- it’s all about powerful instruction that develops powerful thinkers.

"Instruction that builds deep and critical thinking
is vital for our students everywhere,
even in places that have not adopted the Common Core."

The Cognitive Workout of Common Core Implementation

The complexity and rigor of designing complexity and rigor should not be minimized.  It’s a cognitive workout (“brain sweat,” as some people say). Educators must design instruction that intertwines the needs of their students with the standards, curriculum, and assessment.  They must continually monitor students’ learning to adjust their instruction.  It’s definitely complex.  Joyfully complex… but complex all the same!

So, it’s all about instruction -- the designing, planning, reflecting, monitoring, adjusting, and thinking that teachers do to nurture their leaners.  It’s not a list … it’s an ongoing process.

Discovery Common Core Academies

But, since we do love lists (and I haven’t made one yet today), I will share 3 ways how Discovery Education’s Professional Development can support teachers in their complex work.  

This summer in various locations across the U.S., Discovery is offering Common Core Academies

1. Are research-based: Professional development that integrates proven curriculum, instruction, and assessment practices from expert practitioners.

2. Are personalized:  Each academy addresses educator-identified needs related to the transition to more rigorous standards.

3. Are practical: Educators leave with practical strategies for immediate classroom application.

Whether you are just starting on the path down CCSS implementation and need an introduction to the CCSS standards or you are ready to dig deeper into the specifics of the standards, we’ll meet you where you are and help you take the next steps toward successful implementation of the CCSS in your classroom, school, or district.

There are four Common Core Academies to pick from:

 

·       Making the Common Core State Standards Make Common Sense in Your English Language Arts and Content Area Classroom

·       Moving Toward Greater Focus and Coherence in Your Classroom: Making Common Sense Out of the Math Common Core State Standards

·       Connecting Specialized Instruction to Common Core State Standards: An Academy for Teachers of Students with Special Needs

·       Not-So-Common Leadership Strategies for Successful Common Core Implementation

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