Common Core Curriculum
Interview
Has moving to CCSS been challenging and/or easy for you?
"No, it's been easy...so far. The first grade curriculum isn't really that much different then what we are teaching. In some ways I feel the CCSS is less challenging than what we do already in the classroom. I think as counties become more familiar with the standards, their requirements of us could change. Right now we are focusing on using more critical thinking and open ended questioning in reading and math. In reading, we have also switched to theme-based units."
Do you have Professional Development in regards to the Common Core? If so, what kind?
"The PD we have had has been through our school faculty meetings and PLC meetings. This year, we have had many PD's on math and questioning techniques."
What resources do you find helpful (people, websites, books, etc)?
"Lucy Calkins (she made me love to teach writing), Debbie Miller, Pinterest, TeacherPayteachers.com, coworkers, Readworks.org, and readwritethink.com."
readwritethink.org
Readworks.org
Provides teachers the research-proven tools and support they need to improve the academic achievement of their students.Provides research-based units, lessons, and authentic, leveled non-fiction and literary passages directly to educators online, for free, to be shared broadly.The ReadWorks curriculum is aligned to the Common Core State Standards.