Leading the Common Core State Standards: From Common Sense to Common Practice

Cheryl A. Dunkle

Mey 2012 · Corwin Press

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Transform your school using proven core curriculum practices

Many educators agree that we already know how to foster student success, so what is keeping common sense from becoming common practice? The author provides step-by-step guidance for overcoming the barriers to adopting the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and achieving equity and excellence for all students. As an experienced teacher and principal, Cheryl Dunkle is well versed in staff members′ perspectives and gives school leaders valuable tools for fostering the teacher and parent buy-in needed to put the CCSS into practice. This practical guide shows leaders how to implement the CCSS, which will ultimately result in continuous quality improvement in schools. Leading the Common Core State Standards addresses these key issues and more:

• Communicating the CCSS to teachers and parents and attaining their buy-in
• Transitioning schools and districts to align with the CCSS
• Determining which teaching and learning practices need to change
• Garnering resources and support for reforms

Many timesaving and supportive professional learning resources are provided, including guiding questions, an annotated bibliography, and a list of helpful references. These tools equip leaders to create collaborative structures and a climate of trust for sharing professional expertise and expanding the capacity of every staff member. There are no effective "quick fixes" in education. However, the steps outlined in this book will put you, your staff, and your students on a common-sense path to success.

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Consulting Description Cheryl Dunkle is a Professional Development Associate with the Leadership and Learning Center located in Englewood, Colorado. She works with educators across the country in the areas of assessment, accountability, and standards implementation. She was a practicing elementary principal with Douglas County Schools from 1983-2001. Previous to that, she served as an elementary guidance counselor and a teacher of primary students for fourteen years. She retired from public education in July of 2001. In addition to her leadership in public schools, Cheryl has taught for several colleges and universities both online and in face-to-face courses and has coordinated a cohort teacher education program in the Denver metro area. Cheryl has a wealth of experience with professional development, including work as a district trainer of trainers in the areas of early childhood education, effective teaching strategies, group facilitation, Cognitive Coaching, student discipline, and techniques for success in working with parents. She has extensive knowledge in adult development and learning theory, as well as standards-based education and data driven decision-making. Her current area of study and interest is investigating the elements of successful implementation of the Common Core State Standards. Recognitions for her work include: National Distinguished Principal, president of the Colorado Association of Elementary School Principals and recipient of their department service award, member of the coordinating council for the Colorado Association of School Executives, and selection as planning principal for a new elementary school in Douglas County. Cheryl gained invaluable knowledge and skills about teaching, learning, and leadership through each of these challenging and rewarding professional experiences.