Literacy-it's not just for English teachers anymore. The new Common Core English Language Arts Standards aren't just for English teachers. Fluent reading and writing are critically important to the study of history/social studies, science, and technical subjects, too. What's more, the progress your students make is directly tied to their ability to process information they read and to express their ideas in writing. So how do you make literacy a focus of your teaching . . . without taking time away from essential content? This practical resource-packed with teacher-tested, CCSS-based sample lessons-shows you how, using the Backward Design approach to set and meet your goals. Each lesson template includes The teaching strategies you'll utilize Ways to incorporate technology and media Variations for differentiation and interdisciplinary connections Links to the work of major educational theorists Following these models, you'll set the CCSS in your sights and develop lessons that both meet standards and fit your classroom. Before you know it, you'll be infusing reading and writing across your curriculum in purposeful and meaningful ways.

As a teacher, what you want most is for your students to learn—to immerse themselves in rich and challenging content and leave your classroom better prepared for school and life. In English language arts and humanities, this includes developing the multifaceted reading, writing, thinking, and communication skills that constitute next generation literacy, including the ability to * Read complex text independently * Develop strong content knowledge through reading, writing, listening, and speaking * Tailor communication in response to different audiences, tasks, purposes, and disciplines * Comprehend text as well as critique it * Value evidence in arguments they read, hear, or develop * Use technology strategically and capably * Understand perspectives and cultures that differ from their own But as a teacher, you also know how much is riding on THOSE TESTS—achievement tests from the national assessment consortia, the SAT and ACT, and independent state assessments. Is it possible to help students succeed on mandated tests without sacrificing your values, your creativity, and their education? Yes, it is possible. This book shows you how. This not a test-prep book. It is not about “drill and kill” practices that narrow learning so that students will pass an exam. Instead, authors Maureen Connolly and Vicky Giouroukakis present a lesson planning approach for the secondary classroom that generates test success as a byproduct of comprehensive literacy learning. After a comparative analysis of how current ELA assessments measure literacy, they model a backward design-based process for using these test items as a tool to create engaging and effective instruction. With 6 sample lessons, 42 instructional techniques, and tips for differentiation, this practical resource will empower you to help the students you love become capable, literate individuals who are also well-prepared to ace high-stakes tests.

The Common Core State Standards represents a call for all teachers to focus on the literacy learning of their students. Together, these skillsreading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewingcomprise the literacies that students must develop if they are to master content and be successful in college or the workplace. This book will assist content area teachers in understanding the Common Core State Standards that apply to their various courses. Standards in history/social studies, science, and technical subjects are explained in detail, including examples of lessons designed to ensure that students master each standard.

This accessible resource addresses the problems, challenges, and issues that general and special education leaders frequently face on a day-to-day basis in implementing the Common Core standards in their schools. Grounded in best practices from current literature, this text provides leaders with practical solutions to working with teachers and differentiating instruction for all students—including students with special needs, ESL, and ELL learners. A School Leader’s Guide to Implementing the Common Core presents a cohesive framework and offers viable options for effective inclusive instruction based on students‘ varied learning needs. Special Features: Vignettes and "Research-Based Practical Tips" offer concrete connections to school contexts and illustrate practical applications. Explores current trends in Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Multi-tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), and Response to Intervention (RTI), and how they relate to the Common Core Standards. Guides leaders through the development of effective policies for culturally responsive instruction in the classroom.

Leverage teamwork to integrate the CCSS into your curriculum, and build on a foundational knowledge of PLCs. You’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of the shifts required to implement the standards in core content areas and find valuable tips and strategies for creating strong collaborative practices. Identify the essential standards, determine learning targets, define proficiency, learn how to design rigorous assessments, and more.

This book is designed for all K-12 educators and teacher preparation faculty. Reading this book is like being in the room with 30 teacher mentors from different grade-levels and school settings who are sharing strategies for: (1) building and maintaining a positive classroom climate; (2) planning; (3) instruction; and (4) professional development. Discover step-by-step breakdowns of how to implement each strategy as well as professional reflections from contributors representing two different grade-levels and a range of suburban and urban settings from all over the globe. Education students and novice teachers will learn from the in-depth descriptions of how to implement each strategy. Veteran teachers will be inspired by contributing teachers’ professional reflection regarding why and how they utilize each strategy. Readers in ALL school contexts will benefit from narrative descriptions of each strategy in action, which bring to life the ways that the strategies have made an impact on student learning and teacher development. The adaptations modeled throughout the book, based on students’ and schools’ assets and needs, help readers to think about how to make each strategy a good fit for their unique classroom. If you are looking for practical ideas from the field, look no further - this is a book designed to build your teaching toolbox with strategies that you will use for years to come.

Implement the Common Core State Standards with downloadable reproducibles, lists of resources to support the many topics affected, discussion questions, and relevant information to share with your colleagues. Explore the background of the standards and the changes that must take place to meet them. The authors offer five principles for school leaders on effective coaching and feedback.

Your all-in-one solution to college and career readiness in the 21st century No doubt about it, technology is a necessity in the Common Core classroom. Enhance your curriculum and launch a stress-free implementation of the Common

A parent's guide to understanding the Common Core educational standards Designed to ensure a similar level of job and college preparedness for students from all backgrounds and regions, the Common Core standards have been adopted in 45 states from coast to coast. These new common standards are designed to bring many diverse state standards into alignment with each other in math and English to create a set of national educational standards. Common Core Standards For Parents For Dummies explains this new set of standards, what it means for students, and how parents can get their children prepared for the school year. Explains what changes to expect in the classroom Includes a grade-by-grade explanation of the new math and English standards Provides tips and exercises for helping students succeed For parents who want to help their kids excel at school, Common Core Standards For Parents For Dummies is a handy, straightforward guide that explains everything they need to know.

From distinguished educators, this book imagines what our schools could look like if an authentic vision of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) were put in place, and thoughtfully critiques how and why implementation has faltered. The authors outline a curriculum framework that focuses on student-based inquiry and the use of formative assessment to monitor and guide student learning. They provide workable, innovative alternatives to the packaged instructional programs and summative tests that have come to be associated with the English language arts (ELA) standards. Vignettes of diverse schools and districts highlight a range of successful approaches to making the CCSS work.