Transitioning to the Common Core State Standards

This year’s Instruction and Professional Development (IPD) Strand at CTA’s Summer Institute, July 31 to Aug. 5 at UCLA, will focus on planning for the transition from the California Content Standards to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). Teams of teachers, administrators, curriculum coordinators, and other educators will be offered up-to-date information and training on the transition and alignment of the CCSS. You can use QEIA, School Site Council, PI and SIG funds to register for this important professional development.

As California prepares for the implementation of the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts and Mathematics and the Career and College Readiness Standards, classroom teachers and other educators will be impacted by this policy and developmental transition. The IPD Strand will cover development and alignment of the CCSS as part of this transition, including:

• Academic content standards.
• Performance assessment and proficiency level.
• Framework adoption.
• Textbook adoption.
• Professional development.

During your planning for the transition, you will:

• Build knowledge around the new standards.
• Assess how current California standards align with the Common Core State Standards.
• Formulate a plan to prepare your school and district for the new assessments expected in 2015.
• Work with your colleagues to develop a clear, focused and purposeful vision for your school site.

Keynote speakers

W. James Popham, who began his career in education as a high school teacher in Oregon, is professor emeritus at UCLA Graduate School of Education and Information Studies. He taught courses in instructional methods as well as courses in evaluation and measurement. In January 2000, he was recognized as one of UCLA’s top 20 professors of the 20th century. He is the author of 25 books and a former president of the American Research Association. In 2002 the National Council on Measurement in Education presented him with its Award for Career Contributions to Educational Measurements. As a member of the National Assessment Governing Board of the Race to the Top Consortia, Dr. Popham will discuss how curricular aims plus appropriate assessments can dramatically improve our schools, and how the Common Core State Standards will be measured.

Bobb Darnell is an internationally known speaker who has conducted workshops for educators at all levels. Bobb’s high-energy workshops are filled with practical ideas that have resulted from blending research and tested practice. He will guide educators in this transition to the CCSS.