Though at first overwhelmed at the initial implementation of the CCSS, I am finding through ongoing professional efforts a number of organizations and individuals have created great resources for educators. The CCSS implementation will not rely upon random, single professional development "events" rather continuous school district, building, small groups (content/grade level teams) and individuals focused on restructuring our learning systems to meet the needs of ALL students.
In my new role as a Asst. Supt. for Curriculum & Instruction, it is encouraging to see the many open source resources being found without time consuming searches. Any school system can create CCSS modules with a focused study group of individuals. The key is recognizing that we cannot and will not change the learning environment for students until we change the learning environment for teachers.
However, the bigger challenge may be in educating our greater school community, that includes not only the key target group - parents, but community leaders and the general public. With local funding initiatives (bonds, levies, overrides) becoming the key to maintaining school programs and staffing, educating our public on CCSS must become a key strategy for school leaders. When CCSS is fully implemented in 2014-15 initial student results will likely suffer. The recent, sustained pummeling of our public education system only serves to make this more difficult, but further highlights the need to communicate all stakeholder groups on the dramatic changes now occuring to our national learning system.
The Common Core provides an opportunity to create a system built on fidelity and alignment for school systems throughout our national public school system. Let's remember that this change will need to be shared with our customers - the public.
