Website Helps Educators Make Sense of Common Core

As the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) gain momentum in the nation’s K–12 schools — 45 states and the District of Columbia have now adopted the mathematics and English benchmarks, which aim to better prepare students for college and work — teachers and parents have expressed a need for resources to help with the transition.

No doubt sensing an opportunity to promote its own stable of math and English products, educational publisher Scholastic recently launched Common Sense for the Common Core, a new informational website designed to help educators and parents integrate the standards at home and school.

Though the website, which we first encountered on education news outlet eSchool News, features a chart that matches the publisher’s educational products to the individual standard addressed, the majority of the resources are vendor agnostic — and, if you’re in the process of implementing CCSS in your school, probably worth a look. For example:

• A massive Free Resources section offers a range of classroom activities that support Common Core Standards, such as “Four Ways to Learn About Abraham Lincoln” or “28 Ways to Celebrate Black History Month.” The section also features “The Common Core and You,” a document detailing 10 facts educators should know about English instruction, and a glossary of terms related to the standards. Other resources include current events resources, a list of free e-books, and links to online and social media, where educators can communicate with peers and learn more about the Common Core.
• The site also includes a special page for parents, which includes “Five Tips to Help You Support the Common Core at Home” and an interactive map that offers state-specific updates and details about CCSS implementation. 
• Educators and parents can also access a list of Frequently Asked Questions, such as “What major changes does the CCSS call for?” and “How long will it take for my district/classroom to implement CCSS?” 
• The site offers access to online conversations and relevant blog entries about the CCSS implementation process; reading lists, including books that meet CCSS criteria; professional development resources; and links to potentially useful student assessments.

Have you used any resources to help adopt CCSS? Tell us in the Comments.