NE TURN Winter Forum 2013: Linking the Common Core and Teacher Evaluation to Teacher Practice

March 1, 2013 8:30-4:30March 2, 2013 8:30-noon

Microsoft Technology Center (MTC) (see map) One Cambridge Center, 4th FloorCambridge, Massachusetts

This NE TURN Conference focused on Linking the Common Core and Teacher Evaluations to Teacher Practice. Participants explored ways to establish and improve programs and policies for improved teaching effectiveness and student learning, and examined the common core standards and how to link that work to teacher practice.

A mix of local, state, and national leaders informed, encouraged, and assisted local teams in planning for the implementation of programs to improve student learning:

Dr. W. Patrick Dolan Regional TURN Program Consultant

"The Ever-Changing Landscape of Public Education."

Sandra Alberti, Student Achievement Partners

Sandra talked about "Gearing Up for the Common Core State Standards."

Presentation given by Sandra M. Alberti (Student Achievement Partners) at NE TURN's March 1st-2nd conference in Cambridge, MA.

Talking Points from "Gearing Up for the Common Core State Standards", a presentation by Sandra M. Alberti

In order to improve education, we need to have a set of standards that are powerful, meaningful, and achievable. During the development of the Standards, the design principles were often described as fewer, clearer, and higher. Although these are relevant, and perhaps even subjective terms, it is worth understanding how these make the Common Core State Standards different in approach than typical state standards.

• By fewer, the design principle is that these standards can be learned within a year. There is very little repetition from year to year of the same standards.
• The standards are clearer in that they more precisely describe outcome expectations, rather than vague or broad descriptions of learning.
• The standards are higher with respect to what is meant by higher - not harder - standards. Having higher standards means that what is included in the Common Core State Standards is actually intended for all students each year; there is congruence between what is stated and what is expected.

The three “big picture" implications, a.k.a. The Shifts in ELA/Literacy:

1. The first shift in ELA/Literacy is to build knowledge through content-rich nonfiction.
2. In this second shift students work on the text as a source of evidence.
3. The third shift concerns what students are reading, i.e. reading complex text across the content areas.

The Three Shifts in Mathematics:

1. Focus strongly where the standards focus.
2. Coherence: thinking across grades, and linking to major topics
3. Rigor major topics, pursuing conceptual understanding, procedural skill and fluency, and application

Lisa Dickinson, American Federation of Teachers

Lisa addressed the topic of union and district collaboration around CCSS, in a presentation called Achieving the Common Core.

Lisa Dickinson's PowerPoint presentation given on March 2nd, 2013.

Talking Points from "Leading the Implementation of CCSS", a presentation by Lisa Dickinson

Knowledge: As an instructional leaders, it is your responsibility to understand the shifts required by the Common Core State Standards. These standards are different from prior standards and fundamentally change what we should think about when we think about standards-based education. Embracing your role as an instructional leader means knowing the content your teachers need to teach, and understanding the shifts they need to make in their practice.

Implementing the new Standards is an excellent opportunity for focus and coherence throughout your school. Far from being from one more (disconnected) thing to do, the Standards provide a thread that can run through the fabric of your organization.

As with any successful change management exercise, it will be critical to have clear, measurable goals and to commit to collecting data on progress toward those goals so that appropriate adjustments and support can be implemented.

Support teachers by offering focus and coherence in their work, support their understanding of the standards, recognize their authentic development in the change, provide them with quality tools and resources, not quick fixes. Find your early adopters and make them champions and advocates for the work of the Core.

As instructional leaders, it is critical to know the major implications of the Common Core State Standards. Without an understanding of what the big picture looks like, every decision and action made to support the implementation will be a risk.

Continue to seek out current information on consortia assessments, best practices, criteria for quality materials. Things are changing quickly.

The Common Core State Standards are relatively new to many in the education community. As a leader, this is an opportunity for you to not only model quality leadership, but quality learning as well. That process of learning will continue over the next several years. Your learning and leading in this work will likely impact your work over the next 5+ years. It is imperative that as leaders you take the time now to engage with and learn the standards - beginning with the shifts.

Teams

NE TURN participants were encouraged to bring teams representing union & teacher leaders, school and district administrators, school board and community members who are interested in learning and working together to improve teaching and learning in their communities.

NE TURN Tentative Agenda MAR 2013 2-27-13