"Common Core Conversation"

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Ms. Hernandez
In his blog, Grant Wiggins, one of the creators of "Understanding by Design," is addressing close reading, framing the discussion around the Common Core. I recommend reading the second post (see below link).
- On close reading, part 2
  grantwiggins.wordpress.com
- Yesterday
Ms. Cadogan
Award-winning content that addresses the demands of the Common Core Standards for Reading and Writing.
- StudySync Recognized in the Education Technology Community | StudySync
  studysync.com
- Yesterday
Mrs. Ford

Does anyone have a writing genre scope and sequence that is aligned to the CCSS?
- May 16, 2013
- Mrs. Holzweiss - How about this? http://www.scboces.org/Page/664
  - Yesterday
Mrs. Wilson

Does anyone work with a Support Facilitator? I'm wondering what your model looks like.
- May 16, 2013
- Karen Finklestein - For ESE students? Our Support Facilitators use a push in model only. They visit with their students in the classes that they have goals for. They also have students come to them for extra help and extended time for tests.
  - May 16, 2013
- Mrs. Wilson - How does it work in class? I hate having people talking when I talk, and having anyone wandering around while I'm teaching or while students are working is distracting to my students (and me). We aren't supposed to single out or group out our ESE students, so having a SF gather all those kids into a group once a week makes them stand out.
  No one at my school really "gets" how SF should be working inside a regular ed classroom, and we've all spent the year pretty frustrated (Ts and SFs) and feeling useless (SFs) since there is little utilization of the SF's skills.
  Many of my ESE students don't require extra help in my class, and those who do really need one on one help outside the classroom. We do not have a time for these students to go to their SFs for extra help during the day.
  Mrs. Wilson - How does it work in class? I hate having people talking when I talk, and having anyone wandering around while I'm teaching or while students are working is distracting to my students (and me). We aren't supposed to single out or group out our ESE students, so having a SF gather all those kids into a group once a week makes them stand out.
  No one at my school really "gets" how SF should be working inside a regular ed classroom, and we've all spent the year pretty frustrated (Ts and SFs) and feeling useless (SFs) since there is little utilization more... less...
  - Yesterday
Mrs. Combs

If you like math, you will love to watch google graph this formula. Just copy the formula and paste it in a google search bar and be amazed at the cool resulting graph.

This is just for fun. Enjoy.

(sqrt(cos(x))*cos(200x)+sqrt(abs(x))-0.7)*(4-x*x)^0.01, sqrt(9-x^2), -sqrt(9-x^2)
- May 16, 2013
- Mrs. Ganske - This didn't work for me :(
  - May 16, 2013
- Show 2 more replies...
- - Mrs. Collins - Try it using Google Chrome as your browser.
    - May 16, 2013
  - Ms. Ferry - That is cute!
    - May 16, 2013
- Mrs. Combs - Thanks Mrs. Collins I did not think of that
  - Yesterday
Ms. Ince

I was wondering if anyone has a list of reading/literary terms for 7th and 8th grade you assess?
- May 16, 2013
- Mrs. Holzweiss - Readworks.org has some: http://www.readworks.org/
  - May 16, 2013
Ms. White
Great article on using google books and the search function to augment work with classroom books. One computer per group of kids -- not unreachable technology. Great article!
- Bringing Web Tools to Gatsby's Party: A Digital Path into a Jazz Age Classic
  edutopia.org
- May 16, 2013
Ms. Cadogan
Text complexity is an important component of Common Core rigor.

Did you know that you can filter StudySync's digital library of texts and assignments by Lexile(R) level?

From Lexile.com, "Lexile measures are based on two well-established predictors of how difficult a text is to comprehend: word frequency and sentence length. Many other factors affect the relationship between a reader and a book, including its content, the age and interests of the reader, and the design of the actual book. The Lexile measure is a good starting point in your book-selection process, but you should always consider these other factors when making a decision about which book to choose."

You can learn more about Lexile-levels here: http://www.lexile.com/about-lexile/lexile-ove...

Text complexity is an important component of Common Core rigor.

Did you know that you can filter StudySync's digital library of texts and assignments by Lexile(R) level?

From Lexile.com, "Lexile measures are based on two well-established predictors of how difficult a text is to comprehend: word frequency and sentence length. Many other factors affect the relationship between a reader and a book, including its content, the age and interests of the reader, and the design of the actual book. The Lexile measure is a good starting point in your...
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- Reading Programs
  lexile.com
- May 16, 2013
Ms. Cadogan
HOW WILL YOU BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN YOUR CURRENT CURRICULUM AND THE COMMON CORE? StudySync can increase the rigor and relevancy of your reading and writing across the curriculum while engaging, inspiring and preparing your students for a globally competitive 21st century world.
- StudySync Helps Achieve Common Core Goals
  app.studysync.com
- May 14, 2013
Mrs. Pierce

I teach Cosmetology and I am needing resources on how to implement Common Core to my course of instruction. Can anyone help or lead me in the right direction to examples and so forth
- May 14, 2013
- Mr. Smith - My understanding is that you would want them to read the technical manuals for the product they use and then you would have them show competency. For example, have them read a pamphlet or website on how to sow in extensions(weave). Then have them show you the technique on a maniquin or willing participant. This could cover parts of the English. The math would be covered when showing measurements. You will need to research both sets of standards along with the technology standards and weave them all into your class.
  - May 15, 2013
- Mrs. Holzweiss - Mr. Smith, those are fabulous ideas!
  - May 16, 2013
Mrs. Kubaryk

We just wrapped up our Civil Rights unit. I was thinking of using this as a transition to the power of independent action (and writing with a purpose!). I am printing off the article and having the students practice 'close' reading. Their responses will guide the lesson. Themes: Civility, Prejudice takes many forms, Advertising/Marketing, Social Media, Peaceful Protest and The Economics of Boycott.
- May 13, 2013
- Mrs. Propp - I have seen several different ways to complete a close read. How will you do yours?
  - May 13, 2013
- Show 2 more replies...
- - Mrs. Payne - Which article are you using?
    - May 13, 2013
  - Mrs. Propp - The letter from a 'fat chick' to Mike Jeffries
    - May 13, 2013
- Ms. Cadogan - I would like to suggest you check out StudySync's FREE app, Declaration of Sentiments, in the Edmodo app store.
  - May 14, 2013
Mrs. Propp

Mrs. Kubaryk: you had posted an article "Dear Abercrombie..." Great article! Have you decided what you are going to do with it? I would love to use it also.
- May 13, 2013
Sandy King
Here's a great resource to improve student writing.
- 250 Ways to say
  educlipper.net
- May 11, 2013
Mrs. Kubaryk
I am going to use this article for reading for purpose, social injustice, power of civil disobedience, boycott, economic persuasion, and bullying.
- Dear Abercrombie, I'm One Of The Women You Can't Stand
  huffingtonpost.com
- May 11, 2013
Mrs. Deja
Here is an article in Education Week Teacher on creativity in CC.
- Response: Ways To Develop Creative Thinking In The Common Core
  blogs.edweek.org
- May 9, 2013
- Ms. Shadley - Love this!
  - May 9, 2013
Mr. Brennan
XMind Plus, http://www.xmind.net, is free for educators thru May! Go to the pricing page and click the “Buy Now” under “XMind Plus 2012”. Upload an ID photo, you will be emailed the XMind Plus license key.
- XMind: Professional & Powerful Mind Mapping Software
  xmind.net
- May 8, 2013
- Mrs. Rios - I followed the steps you listed above. It then directs me to a Paypal account. Also, where is the option to upload photo?
  - May 8, 2013
- Show 2 more replies...
- - Mr. Brennan - I don't know what happened. I retraced my steps and got what you got. They had said until 5/31/13, but it looks like they pulled their offer already :-(
    - May 9, 2013
  - Mrs. Rios - Thanks for sharing anyways!
    - May 9, 2013
- Mr. Brennan - Try support@xmind.net and see if the offer is still good.
  - May 9, 2013
Ms. Lange

Any recommendations for novels to read with 4th grade?
- May 8, 2013
- Mrs. Dinardi - Star Girl!!
  - May 8, 2013
- Show 6 more replies...
- - Mrs. Davis - Holes and Touching Spirit Bear
    - May 8, 2013
  - Mr. Waara - I have far too many favorites, but here are a few. The Tale of Despereaux covers great themes such as courage and redemption. I always liked using Maniac Magee because it's so rich with metaphors and similes among other things. I also liked Stargirl. Our core literature included Dear Mr. Henshaw and Island of the Blue Dolphins. Great books too. Hope this helps.
    - May 9, 2013
  - Ms. Belser - A Single Shard is also excellent. It is great for studying character development.
    - May 9, 2013
  - Ms. Falso - Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis.
    Inside out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai
    Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan
    - May 13, 2013
  - Mr. Waara - Those are all great books! I'm wondering as we move to Common Core if anyone might know of some great nonfiction books? For read alouds?
    - May 14, 2013
  - Ms. Falso - Fiction: The MIraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo
    Non-fiction: Growing Up in Coal Country -- Susan Campbell Bartoletti
    When I Was Your Age by various authors (Osbourne, Yep, Howe, Paterson, Myers, etc.) (Memoir)
    Eating the Plates: A Pilgrim Book of Food and Manners by Lucille Recht Penner
    Slavery Time When I Was Chillun ed. by Belinda Hurmence
    - May 14, 2013
- Mr. Waara - Great list Ms. Falso. Thanks! I'm adding those titles to my book list.
  - May 14, 2013
Mrs. Monroe
Found these bookmarks for ELA common core. Thought they may be helpful. I am attaching link also. This link has great resources.
- May 7, 2013
- Ms. Schiller - I love the bookmarks, Mrs. Monroe. Do you give them to your students at the start of a unit? How do you use them with the kids?
  - May 7, 2013
- Show 4 more replies...
- - Mrs. Monroe - @Ms. Schiller... I mostly use them as a guide for me. However, I think that I will try to create some to use at the beginning of next school year. It is several pages.
    - May 7, 2013
  - Karen Finklestein - Those bookmarks are great - did they have them in other grade levels?
    - May 8, 2013
  - Karen Finklestein - Nevermind - I found them
    - May 8, 2013
  - Mrs. Monroe - Glad you like
    - May 8, 2013
- Mrs. Retell - This is a great resource. Thanks for sharing!
  - May 11, 2013
Ms. Drum

How will you begin to roll-out Common Core to your staff?
- May 7, 2013
- Mrs. Bardwell - We formed a Common Core professional learning community and got invited by a university to participate in their study so we even get a stipend on the days we train/work on developing common core units. Our school is K-12 and have limited number of subs, so elementary has been receiving training one day and secondary gets training the next day. All our elementary teachers are involved, all secondary math and English teachers, and the two special education teachers (myself and the elementary special education teacher).
  I've been working with the secondary ELA team. We've developed a unit plan for everyone to be able to use (Understanding by Design - UbD). Of course, to roll out anything you need administrative support--and both our school principal and elementary principal/superintendent are participating in the learning community. Our first goal was just to get our heads wrapped around the whole backward design, deciding what was the main transfer (how can this help them in life - after high school, etc), overarching understandings, essential questions, etc. The process of thinking out loud, brainstorming, going through the process of a unit together (not each lesson, but the unit plan) helped us all with the thought process. Our livebinder is:
  http://www.livebinders.com/play/play?id=82211...
  Mrs. Bardwell - We formed a Common Core professional learning community and got invited by a university to participate in their study so we even get a stipend on the days we train/work on developing common core units. Our school is K-12 and have limited number of subs, so elementary has been receiving training one day and secondary gets training the next day. All our elementary teachers are involved, all secondary math and English teachers, and the two special education teachers (myself and the elementary special education teacher).
  I've been working with the secondary ELA team. more... less...
  - May 7, 2013
- Ms. Schiller - We built a crosswalk between the Common Core and our old English standards two years ago and last year we had many conferences and online PD sessions with ASCD. Then, last summer we rebuilt our curriculum using UbD and an online program with the new standards. This year I've been teaching professional development sessions called "Unpacking the Common Core" using resources from ASCD to help other subject-area teachers become more accustomed and comfortable with the switch. We ask the teachers to break down the standards and examine the nouns, verbs, modifiers in each standard and create activities to use with their colleagues. It has worked very well for us.
  My district also wants to make the parents feel comfortable, so we hosted a Parent University about the Common Core. We had hands-on learning activities for all grades to show the parents what their students are/will be experiencing in our classrooms as well as what to expect to see at home.
  Ms. Schiller - We built a crosswalk between the Common Core and our old English standards two years ago and last year we had many conferences and online PD sessions with ASCD. Then, last summer we rebuilt our curriculum using UbD and an online program with the new standards. This year I've been teaching professional development sessions called "Unpacking the Common Core" using resources from ASCD to help other subject-area teachers become more accustomed and comfortable with the switch. We ask the teachers to break down the standards and examine the nouns, verbs, modifiers more... less...
  - May 7, 2013
- Mrs. Bardwell - You are much farther along in the process than we are. We're just beginning and it seems like a daunting process, especially for all our elementary teachers.
  - May 11, 2013
Ms. Karis
Noting the trajectory for each standard (sample chart) and article
- Analyzing Common Core Standards Trajectories | MiddleWeb
  middleweb.com
- rit_standard_1_trajectory_analysis_chart2.doc
- May 7, 2013