Common Core Radio

Kansas relabeled the Common Core Standards as part of their implementation strategy. Learn how the "Kansas Can" mindset is leading to success with the program across the state. Discuss: #commoncore #CCSS Follow: @cscottwilliams @Eduflack @dgburris @curriculumblog @bamradionetwork Dayna Richardson’s educational career has included elementary teacher, gifted education teacher, coordinator of gifted education, director of the Educational Services and Staff Development Association of Central Kansas (ESSDACK), assistant superintendent for Buhler USD 313, and an adjunct instructor at five Kansas universities. Recently, she has been a Leadership Coach for Coaching For Results Global.

Our guest tells us that the right kind of professional development was the key to successful Common Core implementation in his state. Learn how. Discuss: #commoncore #CCSS Follow: @Kdalton250 @cscottwilliams @Eduflack @dgburris @curriculumblog @bamradionetwork Matt Wachel is currently an elementary assistant principal in the Park Hill School District in Kansas City, MO. Prior to his current role, Matt was a kindergarten teacher, an elementary principal and an early childhood director. Twitter ID: https://twitter.com/mattwachel

Despite several well-publicized successful implementations of Common Core Standards, the subject remains politically charged. Our guest shares his experience with successfully navigating the Common Core Standards minefield. Discuss: #commoncore #CCSS Follow: @Kdalton@tft250 @cscottwilliams @Eduflack @dgburris @curriculumblog @bamradionetwork Kevin Dalton currently serves as President of the Toledo federation of teachers. He has 18 years of classroom teaching experience in an urban district.

We kick off 2016 with a look back at how far we've come on Common Core implementation and the road ahead. Discuss: #commoncore #CCSS Follow: @fisher1000 @Eduflack @dgburris @curriculumblog @cscottwilliams @bamradionetwork Michael Fisher is an author and educational consultant working with schools around the country to upgrade current curricula, design new curricula, and modernize instruction with immersive technology. He is the author of Digital Learning Strategies: How do I assign and assess 21st Century Work? and the co-author of Upgrade Your Curriculum: Practical Ways to Transform Units and Engage Students.

Our guest shares a multidimensional perspective and a successful implementation of Common Core State Standards. Discuss: #commoncore #CCSS Follow: @rufotepper @Eduflack @learningfirst @dgburris @curriculumblog @scottwilliams @bamradionetwork Laura Bay is president of National PTA, a nonprofit association dedicated to being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities and a strong advocate for public education. In addition to leading National PTA, Bay is a coordinator for assessment and instruction for the Bremerton School District in Bremerton, Washington.

Game-based learning can be a powerful strategy for engaging students and meeting common core Standards. Learn more. Discuss: #commoncore #CCSS Follow: @rufotepper @Eduflack @cscottwilliams @dgburris @curriculumblog @bamradionetwork Rebecca Rufo-Tepper, PhD is the Director of Professional Development, Institute of Play. She is responsible for overseeing the implementation and ongoing refinement of Institute of Play's unique professional development model, with a focus on developing multi-dimensional teachers who make important contributions to the learning community.

Our guest unpacked the Common Core Standards and was surprised by what he found. Discuss: #commoncore #CCSS Follow: @barrykid1 @Eduflack @dgburris @curriculumblog @bamradionetwork Barry Saide has taught 2nd, 3rd, and 5th grade in three different New Jersey school districts. He has been teaching for 13 years, the last 11 at Mount Prospect School in Bernards Township where he currently directs the Before/After School Care program. Saide has written and built curriculum in all subjects and been a grade-level leader. Saide is codirector of the New Jersey ASCD North Region and serves on the New Jersey ASCD executive committee.

Our guest started out as a teacher as Common Core Standards were being adopted. He went on to become a school principal tasked with getting teachers up to speed on the new curriculum. Today he shares the lessons he learned in the process. Discuss: #commoncore #CCSS Follow: @dwightmd @cscottwilliams @Eduflack @dgburris @curriculumblog @bamradionetwork. Dwight Davis is a ten-year veteran teacher and proud product of the District of Columbia Public Schools. For the past decade, Davis has served Wheatley Education Campus (WEC) as a fifth-grade teacher, English & language arts coach, home visits coordinator and teacher lead. Now serving as the assistant principal of Wheatley, Davis is working to partner with parents and the community in an effort to continue to raise achievement levels.

Our guest gives us visibility into the role a committed principal plays in the successful implementation of Common Core Standards. Discuss: #commoncore #CCSS Follow: @ellsperj @learningfirst @cscottwilliams @Eduflack @dgburris curriculumblog @bamradionetwork Jayne Ellspermann is principal of West Port High School in Ocala, Florida and the NASSP 2015 National Principal of the Year. As a principal for 24 years at the elementary, middle, and high school level she sees the need for college and career ready standards and has been a champion for the Common Core.

Who is talking about Common Core? Who is supporting Common Core, who is not? Who is co-opting Common Core as a tool to engage their audiences. Discuss: #commoncore #CCSS Follow: @jsupo @Eduflack @dgburris curriculumblog @bamradionetwork

Our guest draws a sharp and important distinction between standards and curriculum. Discuss: #commoncore #CCSS Follow: @Eduflack @dgburris @cscottwilliams @curriculumblog @bamradionetwork Janet Hale is an educational consultant who specializes in standards-based curriculum design, curriculum mapping, and upgrading units of study and lesson plans. She travels extensively nationally and internationally to work with administrators and teachers at all academic levels interested in improving their curriculum, with a focus on vertical articulation and systemic curriculum decision-making. janet_hale

Critics of Common Core argue that implementation of the standards is a big part of the problem. In this episode, we look as a state that seems to have figured out how to make the standards work. Discuss: #commoncore #CCSS Follow: @Eduflack @dgburris @DrJuneAtkinson @curriculumblog @bamradionetwork Terry Holliday is Kentucky Commissioner of Education since July 2009; past president Council of Chief State School Officers, Serves on National assessment Governing Board.

In this episode, we check up on the progress of Common Core implementation in the state of North Carolina. Discuss: #commoncore #CCSS Follow: @Eduflack @dgburris @DrJuneAtkinson @curriculumblog @bamradionetwork June Atkinson, the first woman elected as State Superintendent of Public Instruction, is serving her third term. She oversees 1.5 million students in over 2,500 public schools. She served as a teacher, state education official, and national leader and is currently the President for the National Council of Chief State School Officers. Under Atkinson’s leadership, North Carolina’s high school graduation rate has gone from 68 percent to over 84 percent, the highest in the state’s history.

Our guest has moved away from teaching rote mathematical processes and toward high-level discussion. In the segment, she shares her process. Discuss: #commoncore #CCSS Follow: @Eduflack @EricLuedtke @bamradionetwork Farida Mama is the Founding 5th grade math teacher at UP Academy Dorchester. She is entering her 5th year of teaching and loves challenging her students with engaging, rigorous math lessons

Our guest is uniquely positioned to both understand Common Core State Standards and to correct misconceptions about the initiative. He joins us to help clarify some of the popular, but inaccurate beliefs about the program. Discuss: #commoncore #CCSS Follow: @Eduflack @EricLuedtke @bamradionetwork Delegate Eric Luedtke was a middle school classroom teacher for a decade in the Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland. He serves on the powerful Ways and Means Committee of the Maryland House of Delegates, which oversees education policy.

In this segment, our guests tell us why their view of Common Core Standards is favorable. They also share why they prefer creating their own teaching tools. Discuss: #commoncore #CCSS Follow: @Eduflack @dgburris @sabrapro @MichaelSMills @bamradionetwork Sabra Eaton is a keyboarding teacher that is passionate about building relationships with students.Educator inspired by technology integration while serving the whole child to give opportunities to our future. Dr. Michael Mills, Assistant Professor of Teaching and Learning at the University of Central Arkansas, is a leading expert on the practical uses of educational technology, particularly on using collaborative tools to better engage students and to design strategies for effectively integrating mobile devices in the classroom. He is an SXSWedu, ISTE, and SITE presenter and has been recognized as an Apple Distinguished Educator and Google Education Trainer."

Our guest has lived and taught through the tumultuous process of implementing Common Core Standards in Indiana. In the segment he shares his experience and lessons learned that might help teachers caught in the middle of the conflict. Discuss: #commoncore #CCSS Follow: @Eduflack @dgburris @rweingarten @bamradionetwork Jacob Pactor is as an Indiana State Board of Education evaluation design committee member, MBA Fellow in Educational Leadership, and Teach Plus Teaching Policy Fellow. He teaches English at Speedway High School.

In this session with talk with a school leader in a state that is now three years into Common Core implementation. What are the big lessons that have been learned? Tune in and find out? Discuss: #commoncore #CCSS Follow: @Eduflack @dgburris @rweingarten @bamradionetwork Dr. Christy Stanley is the Secondary English Language Arts and Social Studies Coordinator for Chapel Hill- Carrboro City Schools. She is a North Carolina (NC) native and has proudly served the teachers and students of NC for the past 16 years.

Some see a conflict between the notion of a standardized curriculum and universal design, which is aimed at differentiating instruction. Our guests help identify the bridge between the two. Discuss it at #commoncore and #CCSS Follow: @Eduflack @dgburris @KatieNovakUDL @bamradionetwork Dr. Katie Novak is the Title I Director, ELL Director, and Reading coordinator in Chelmsford Public Schools. With 12 years of teaching experience, Novak designs and presents workshops both nationally and internationally focusing on teacher implementation of Universal Design for Learning and the Common Core.

Summative assessment, formative assessment, mastery, individual growth, what is the best way to measure student progress? Discuss it at #commoncore and #CCSS Follow: @Eduflack @dgburris @kastidham @davidyo333 @bamradionetwork David Young is assistant superintendent in Boyle County Schools, in south central Kentucky, a teacher for 7 years, a principal for 4 years, and has been in my current role for 5 years. Kelly Stidham has been learning math alongside students for a decade. Also a coach at the building, regional and state level, she now serves as an effectiveness coach supporting LDC, MDC and teacher growth for the Kentucky Department of Education. Jason Mendenhall is the Vice President of Publishing at Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA); previously a secondary and post-secondary educator. Patrick Riccards has been a communications and policy expert for 20 years. Darren Burris is a member of the state's Model Curriculum Development Team.

Even supporters of Common Core State Standards are arguing for delaying implementation, while increasing the capacity for collaboration during the transition process. In this segment, we examine the case for postponing implementation and discuss how a reasonable timetable might be determined. Discuss it at #commoncore and #CCSS Follow: @Eduflack @dgburris @cscottwilliams @LearningFirst @kportermagee @bamradionetwork Cheryl Scott Williams is executive director of the Learning First Alliance (LFA), a partnership of national K-12 public education organizations. Kathleen Porter-Magee is a Bernard Lee Schwartz Policy Fellow at the Thomas B. Fordham Institute. Kathleen and has more than 16 years of experience in education and policy. Patrick Riccards has been a communications and policy expert for 20 years. Darren Burris is a member of the state's Model Curriculum Development Team.

A recent report suggested that many claims about text books being aligned to Common Core State Standards may be false. We discuss the findings of this report with two highly respected experts in the field, who offer suggestions on how to confirm which resources are truly aligned. Discuss it at #commoncore and #CCSS Follow: @Eduflack @dgburris @grantwiggins @achievethecore @bamradionetwork Sandra Alberti serves as the Director of Partnership Initiatives and Professional Development for Student Achievement Partners, an organization that was instrumental in the development of the Common Core State Standards. Grant Wiggins is the president of Authentic Education in Hopewell NJ. Grant is best known as the co-author of Understanding by Design. Patrick Riccards has been a communications and policy expert for 20 years. Darren Burris is a member of the state's Model Curriculum Development Team. Jen Rinehart takes a primary role in the Afterschool Alliance's national and state coalition building, policy and research efforts. Previously, she served for more than five years on the staff of the U.S. Department of Education, and currently serves on a number of advisory boards of organizations that share the Afterschool Alliance's vision of afterschool for all. Jennifer Davis is the Co-Founder & President of the National Center on Time & Learning. She has held positions at the federal, state, and local levels focused on improving educational opportunities for children across the United States. Patrick Riccards has been a communications and policy expert for 20 years. Darren Burris is a member of the state's Model Curriculum Development Team.

In this discussion we move beyond the focus on standards and testing to look at a new report's findings that both students and teachers need more time and support. Discuss it at #commoncore and #CCSS Follow: @Eduflack @dgburris @afterschool4all @jmrinehart @bamradionetwork Jen Rinehart takes a primary role in the Afterschool Alliance's national and state coalition building, policy and research efforts. Previously, she served for more than five years on the staff of the U.S. Department of Education, and currently serves on a number of advisory boards of organizations that share the Afterschool Alliance's vision of afterschool for all. Jennifer Davis is the Co-Founder & President of the National Center on Time & Learning. She has held positions at the federal, state, and local levels focused on improving educational opportunities for children across the United States. Patrick Riccards has been a communications and policy expert for 20 years. Darren Burris is a member of the state's Model Curriculum Development Team.

Catholic, religious and private schools have unique issues with Common Core State Standards. In this segment we explore the perspectives that many parochial and private schools hold regarding Common Core implementation. Discuss it at #commoncore and #CCSS Follow: @Eduflack @dgburris @rpondiscio @bamradionetwork Father Jose Medina is the former principal of Cristo Rey Boston and now at Human Adventure Corporation (Catholic nonprofit). Robert Pondiscio is the executive director of CitizenshipFirst, a civic education initiative based at Democracy Prep Public Schools in Harlem. Patrick Riccards has been a communications and policy expert for 20 years. Darren Burris is a member of the state's Model Curriculum Development Team.

The recent Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) results showed very little progress for American students in key areas of reading, math and science. Today's segment takes a look at what the anemic performance suggests for those working to implement Common Core State Standards. Discuss it at #commoncore and #CCSS Follow: @Eduflack @dgburris @bobwise48 @dougsovde @bamradionetwork Former West Virginia Gov. Bob Wise is president of the Alliance for Excellent Education. Jeff Nichols is a member of Change the Stakes, an anti-high-stakes testing group. Doug Sovde is a math teacher and principal and part of the working group in writing the CCSS. Patrick Riccards has been a communications and policy expert for 20 years. Darren Burris is a member of the state's Model Curriculum Development Team.

Early childhood professionals led by Nancy Carlsson Paige have found their voice on Common Core along with a strong ally in AFT president, Randi Weingarten. The two have teamed to re-frame the thinking about common core implementation at the K-2 level, but the implications of the discussion they are starting could extend to the higher grades as well. Follow: @Eduflack @dgburris @rweingarten @bamradionetwork Nancy Carlsson-Paige is a professor of education at Lesley University. Randi Weingarten is president of the 1.5 million-member American Federation of Teachers. Patrick Riccards has been a communications and policy expert for 20 years and blogs for Eduflack. Darren Burris is a PARCC Educator Leader Fellow for Massachusetts and a member of the state's Model Curriculum Development Team.