“Tomorrow we will have a guest speaker.” Surely this statement must always be followed by the announcement of a guest lecture in History, an actor or singer for the Drama class, a local park ranger or chemical engineer for the Sciences, or a published author to speak to the Language Arts classes. “Our guest will [...]
March 6, 2013
CCSS Math: Sequential or Not?
The following is a great question from a reader and my attempt to answer it. Join the conversation by email (abfosEd@gmail.com) or on Twitter (@AbfosEd)! Question I have been reading everything I can get my hands on that has CCSS stamped on it. I have an aggravating issue that I just can’t find guidelines for. [...]
June 20, 2012
CCSS Mathematics Classroom Shift #1: FOCUS
by Andrew Foster Twitter @abfosEd “A mile wide and an inch deep.” Ever heard this phrase referring to your state content standards? For many states, the first big shift in classroom instruction must be FOCUS. The current state standards are too numerous, too general, and often repetitive from grade to grade. Teachers and students are [...]
May 2, 2012
CCSS Professional Development: Great ideas for exploring the Standards
by Andrew Foster Twitter @abfosEd In the last few months I’ve come across some interesting ideas for exploring the Common Core State Standards. The most effective professional development is teacher-led and teacher-focused. Whether you are a classroom teacher doing your own research, a team leader organizing CCSS introductory activities, or an administrator trying to get [...]
March 13, 2012
Common Core Resources for Frustrated Teachers
Last week, Education Week reported on the frustration teachers are facing as they begin designing lessons around Common Core priorities teacher resources are either scarce, or hard to find. Teachers and curriculum developers who are trying to craft road maps that reflect the Common Core State Standards can find themselves in a dispiriting bind: Their [...]
