As I'm working with educators across the US and Kansas, I find that many of us are trying to figure out how to juggle our new technology investments with the new Common Core Standards. I get asked about where will they fit together. How we can ensure that we're using the high-dollar investments to the best purpose to meet the standards.

Before you read this post, take a moment to watch the video above, depicting what our “standardized students” might do in a real-life situation, such as a job interview. 

Do click it to watch it. It’s only 3 minutes long and you’ll be glad you did.  

This video parody struck me the other day as a bit of an exaggeration, but maybe not so much…  Sure, it’s a parody, but can’t we see the truth in it too? I know I can and I shake my head.

From Diane DeBacker:

I am pleased to announce that Kansas was successful in our request for an ESEA Flexibility Waiver from certain provisions of NCLB! In a press release earlier this morning, Kansas was approved along with five other states and the District of Columbia. A total of 32 states have been granted waivers.

Hanging at Podstock in Old Town in Wichita, KS Thursday and Friday this week! Love the stuff I am learning. Lots of connections between College and Career Readiness skills, and mathematical practices, especially using technology tools strategically and capably.

Check out Podstock online for ideas and be sure to follow Podstock on Facebook and Twitter so you can join us next year!

 Marion Herbert, writer for District Administration magazine explains in her March article, “Are You Ready to Implement Common Core Standards?” that in a recent survey conducted by the Leadership and Learning Center, 96% of responding school leaders, by their own admission, are not preparing for Common Core Standards implementation.

Dynamic Learning Maps is the new buzzword for what has formerly been called the Alternate Assessment. This assessment, of course, is reserved for a small percentage of students who have significant cognitive challenges.

Gearing up for the Common Core is both exciting, yet can be overwhelming.  This Top Ten List of activities are designed as different ways to process the Math Common Core Standards.  They could be used in a whole group setting, small group, professional learning communities, or for individual learners.  The Ten Activities are linked to more detailed information. I hope you find some of these helpful in your district.

Food for thought videos:

As schools struggle to make sense of the new Common Core Standards in Mathematics they are often left overwhelmed and highly anxious.  Change is hard for most everyone.  How does one balance the classroom, dealing with management and current standards while trying to learn the new expectations brought on by CCSS? 

The eight mathematical practices is the bi-product of two very important research products, the five process standards from Principles and Standards for School Mathematics and the five mathematical proficiencies from Adding It Up.  For educators to truly understand the 8 mathematical practices we must go deeper into where the practices originated.

 As schools struggle to make sense of the new Common Core Standards in Mathematics they are often left overwhelmed and highly anxious.  Change is hard for most everyone.  How does one balance the classroom, dealing with management and current standards while trying to learn the new expectations brought on by CCSS?