Common Core White Paper from Grant Wiggins

As many districts begin to implement the Common Core Learning Standards (CCLS), the need for coherent ways to operationalize the document has grown exponentially. A few weeks ago, Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe crafted a brief white paper that gives schools a clear framework to use when preparing to share the Common Core Learning Standards with staff.

Get the free download (and a great post) by clicking here.

The paper shares 5 big ideas:

1. Common Core Standards have new emphases and require a careful reading.
2. Standards are not curriculum.
3. Standards need to be "unpacked."
4. A coherent curriculum is mapped backwards from desired performances.
5. The standards come to life through the assessments.

Each big idea is a perfect sized chunk for discussion at a faculty meeting or professional development session. Give teachers the white paper now, and then roll out processing opportunities as they allow.

I hope this helps!