The Common Core Curriculum By Dean Berry, Ed. D. Gregg Berry, B.A.

Common Core Curriculum Solutions Common Core Curriculum Solutions Commomcorecurriculum.info Commomcorecurriculum.info Teachers’ Choice Library Teachers’ Choice Library Over 50 common core units available 2

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The volume of information in the modern world is expanding at a very rapid rate. 4

Technology has compounded the knowledge explosion by making huge quantities of information available with a click of a mouse. 5

The modern world has created “information overload”

Filtering large quantities of information from the internet requires a new set of skills.

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In Common Core, students learn to make claims that are supported by clear arguments and evidence.

During common core unit activities, students analyze and evaluate ideas as they make decisions and present solutions to specific problems.

The emphasis for all learning activities is on higher level thinking skills such as applying, analyzing, evaluating, and creating.

Under common core, students learn to verify the accuracy of information. 16

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Common core units result in maximum student engagement while students conduct research, create projects, collect evidence, and challenge ideas. Common core units result in maximum student engagement while students conduct research, create projects, collect evidence, and challenge ideas.

Effective common core units enable teachers to facilitate interaction and discussion as the lessons are presented. 22

Rather than lecture, common core encourages stimulating discussions that challenge students to use logical thinking.

Inquiry learning requires probing questions and in depth exploration of ideas. 24

Common core focuses on Depth of Knowledge Common core focuses on Depth of Knowledge 25

Instead of covering large amounts of content, common core encourages students to research and explore “big ideas” within the topic.

These “Big Ideas” are high interest and provide a connection to the real world.

Students are no longer using just one primary textbook. They are pursuing ideas in depth and utilizing multiple sources of information. 28

Depth of knowledge requires special tools and a non traditional approach.

Common core units include big ideas that are accompanied by essential questions. Common core units include big ideas that are accompanied by essential questions.

Essential questions help students open the doors to an in depth examination of the topic. Essential questions help students open the doors to an in depth examination of the topic.

Common core instructional strategies include hi tech research, collaboration, and project development. Common core instructional strategies include hi tech research, collaboration, and project development.

Common Core units include clearly defined research topics with essential questions, group activities, and resources. 34

The exploration of big ideas generates increased motivation for learning. 35

Challenging projects enable students to apply new knowledge to real life situations. 36

Common core units teach students to ask the right questions. Common core units teach students to ask the right questions.

Good questions lead to better problem solving 38

During common core activities students defend their “claims” with strong arguments. 39

Students Challenge each others’ conclusions and defend their own with credible evidence.

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After much debate, students learn that some of their ideas do not “hold water”. 42

Central ideas and claims that are not sufficiently supported with evidence are exposed. 43

44 While progressing through common core units, students learn to follow the evidence trail…

………..and prepare counter arguments. 45

I’ve got the facts to back it up! 47

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Since most work environments depend on forming productive relationships with colleagues, learning effective communication skills is vital for students’ future success.

Common Core units offer many opportunities for creative problem solving.

Group activities offer opportunities for students to question flimsy arguments and defend strong arguments with evidence.

In common core units, students present their conclusions and supporting facts to a small group for review and analysis. 52

Once students have discussed the pros and cons of the issue and considered supporting evidence, team members prepare to take a group position on the issue. 53

Decision time requires careful deliberation. 54

Students go through the entire problem solving process before making a decision. 55

Peer review of pro and con arguments is a vital teaching tool in Common Core unit activities.

Intensive small group activities help students achieve common core speaking and listening standards.

Students challenge and cross examine each other during the small group unit activity. 58

After serious debate and review of the evidence, the group is asked to make a recommendation or propose a solution. 59

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Common core supports interdisciplinary learning activities. 61

Science and history topics provide opportunities to teach reading, writing, research, and speaking/listening standards. 62

The titles and themes of common core units encompass a multidisciplinary approach. 63

In order to master grade level common core standards and succeed on the annual common core assessments, common core instructional strategies need to be effectively implemented across all content courses. 64

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Communicating ideas effectively is a critical human function. 66

Sharing knowledge with others is a significant common core skill. 67

Common core units include instructional strategies that focus on increasing student interaction and verbal participation. 68

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Every research and discussion topic culminates in a writing activity. 70

Every unit writing task provides a step by step demonstration of effective writing skills. 71

Common Core units enable teachers to guide students as they analyze their evidence and prepare to write proposals. 72

Common core units take students through the reviewing, editing, and rewriting process. Common core units take students through the reviewing, editing, and rewriting process. 73

The final step in Common Core units is to help students convert their ideas into projects and presentations. 74

Presenting projects for peer review is an important common core activity. 75

Common core units provide students with many project ideas and guidelines. Common core units provide students with many project ideas and guidelines. 76

Once projects are presented for peer review, students participate in publishing their essays and projects on the internet. 77

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Common core curriculum moves students beyond the classroom textbook and encourages students to gain the skills necessary to become proficient internet users. 79

Adoption of new methods of instruction can be challenging. 81

The Adoption of Innovations Curve suggests that different staff members adopt at very different rates. 82

Merging traditional curriculum with the common core curriculum requires the integration of the best past practices with the newer instructional strategies.

Launching common core is easy with well designed units. Highly organized unit activities get teachers moving in the same direction. 84

Effective common core materials offer teachers the structure and organization that enables them to utilize their valuable time for teaching. 85

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Common core standards provide students with a direct path to success. 87

As teachers rebuild a better curriculum to meet future needs, they need to redesign what is currently offered rather than starting from scratch.

Common Core Doesn’t Have to be a Struggle! 89

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Video technology enables students and teachers to proceed through common core units as a group as well as individuals on lap tops or Ipads. 91

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When students get excited about classroom activities, more learning takes place.

Let’s do this! 94

Common Core Curriculum Solutions Common Core Curriculum Solutions Commomcorecurriculum.info Commomcorecurriculum.info Teachers’ Choice Library Teachers’ Choice Library Over 50 common core units available 95

Dean Berry, Ed. D. Gregg Berry, B.A. Common Core Curriculum Solutions Common Core Curriculum Solutions ( ) ( ) Commoncorecurriculum.info Commoncorecurriculum.info 96