wp jsg how to successfully plan for the ccss for math

8/11/2019 Wp Jsg How to Successfully Plan for the Ccss for Math

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John SanGiovanni

Mathematics SupervisorHoward County Public Schools

How to Successfully Planfor the Common Core State

Standards for Math:HOWARD COUNTY, MARYLAND PUBLIC SCHOOLS

WHITE PAPER


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IntroductionIf you are in one of the 46 states and the District of Columbia that have adopted

the Common Core, you should already be moving from transitioning to

implementing the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and associated

Standards of Practice for Math, in preparation for the 20132014 implementation

deadline. While it is important to be in alignment with CCSS, for a superior

implementation your team should take advantage of this time of change to

advance your curriculum, and bring a spirit of excellence to each and every one of

your classrooms.

The transition to the Common Core comes with common problems: developingcurricula that encompass the new standards but also answer the unique needs

of your district; fostering collaboration with system offices; communicating

with stakeholders; and keeping the lines of communication open so everyone

can learn and progress. Your plan will assume its appropriate form after careful

consideration, collaboration, and cooperation by everyone in your district.

After the rst wave of Common Core assessments, we will all form a deeper

understanding of mathematical prociency relative to the standardswhich by

any measure is positive for both students and educators. I hope you will learn

take advantage of this time of

change to advance your curriculum,

and bring a spirit of excellence to each

and every one of your classrooms.

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DreamBox Learning, Inc. 2014DB014_300


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from the experiences we share here, and borrow freely from the ideas presented in this white

paper. You will nd a list of resources and links included at the end of this document to help

you get started.

About Howard County, Maryland Public SchoolsHoward County, located in the center of Maryland, sits between Baltimore and Washington

DC. We are blessed with great diversity; serving 50,000 students in 72 schools. Of these, 41are elementary schools, and 16 of those have full time math coaches. Elementary school

enrollments range from 350 to 1,000 students per school.

Our Essential Curriculum is based on the Maryland State Curriculum. In June 2010, the

Maryland State Board of Education adopted the Common Core State Standards, and we

immediately began planning.

STEP 1: Working Back from 20142015 AssessmentsStarting from a work-back transition plan, we kept in mind that assessments would begin in

20142015. To generate the multi-year plan, we looked at PARCC (Partnership for Assessmentof Readiness of College and Careers) assessments, kept our current Maryland State

Assessments (MSA) in mind, and then backtracked from there to limit student learning gaps.

Kindergarten was prioritized in our rst year (20112012). We initiated teaching to the new

standards at this level, knowing that was where we could identify the biggest gaps and have

a genuine opportunity to reap the benets when CCSS testing begins in 2014. This year, in

20122013, we are nishing up our implementation of Grades 1 and 2, and next year we will

implement through Grade 5.

Here is our grade level by year transition plan for implementation:

DreamBox Learning, Inc. 2014 DB014_300

Your plan will assum

appropriate form aft

careful consideratio

collaboration, and

cooperation by ever

in your district.


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STEP 2: Collaboration with System OfficesAs we worked on the curriculum and the aligned assessments, we also began to understand

that there were many constituencies to consult as we developed an overall plan. We met with

educators and specialists in the various offices in our system to devise the plan, including:

(1) School Administrators, (2) ESOL , (3) Secondary Math, (4) Special Education, (5) Early

Childhood, (6) Title 1, (7) Gifted and Talented, as well as our (8) Public Relations Officers.

School administrators in particular were a point of focus, since their leadership, input in to theprogram, and inuence on the other groups is essential to CCSS transition success.

STEP 3: Plan DesignIn order to design the optimal transition plan, we had to look at the key success components

including: (1) the curriculum, (2) instructional approaches, (3) professional development for

our educators, (4) student assessment, and (5) parents and the community who would be

responding to these changes.

We had already been providing an electronic curriculum as a source of objectives and aligned

instructional resources for quite some time. But with this latest move to CCSS, we wanted to

offer a curriculum that connected the what, how, and why of teaching mathematicsand theidea was born for a new wikispace.

Using a wiki seemed like a natural way to link instructional resources, assessment resources,

content pedagogy, and much more into a single, highly accessible package. The wiki also

serves as a way for stakeholders to share ideas, questions, concerns, and achievements. For

teachers, the wiki has been an ideal vehicle to distribute online curriculum resources without

requiring any specialized web development skills.

4


As we worked on the

curriculum and the

aligned assessments, we

also began to understand

that there were many

constituencies to consult

as we developed an

overall plan.


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Howard County WikispaceA primary goal was ease of use for educators and parents alike, so that everyone could obtain

information and contribute quickly and easily. The ability to effortlessly access and review

the material was particularly important because it empowered teachers to work with it over

the summer and on their own schedules when preparing for the upcoming school year. The

wikis were constructed using a free, off-the-shelf template that requires very little technical

expertise, but that has great structure and exibility: http://www.wikispaces.com/content/

classroom .

There is now a wikispace for each elementary grade in the

Howard County Public School System:

Kindergarten: http://gradeKcommoncoremath.wikispaces.hcpss.org

Grade 1 Wiki: http://grade1commoncoremath.wikispaces.hcpss.org



Grade 4 Wiki: http://grade4commoncoremath.wikispaces.hcpss.org Grade 5 Wiki: http://grade5commoncoremath.wikispaces.hcpss.org




Wiki ManagementIn a world of unlimited potential content, our

site had to be properly managed. We knew weneeded a wiki webmaster who understood

curriculum, CCSS, and site goals. Others on the

team also assist, and are assigned tasks as needed.

This core group maintains primary control of the

site.

Overall, when we began, our plan was to

post as much material as possible, all aligned

to Standards. The next steps were to apply

exemplary resource rubrics to review and scrub

less desirable resources. As curriculum experts, we

selected and continue to select appropriate tools,

and we work with our math team to promote

exemplary classroom instruction and the use of

these valuable resources.


we wanted to offer

curriculum that conne

the what, how, and wh

teaching mathematics

and the idea was born

new wikispace.
http://www.wikispaces.com/content/classroomhttp://www.wikispaces.com/content/classroomhttp://gradekcommoncoremath.wikispaces.hcpss.org/http://grade1commoncoremath.wikispaces.hcpss.org/http://grade2commoncoremath.wikispaces.hcpss.org/http://grade3commoncoremath.wikispaces.hcpss.org/http://grade4commoncoremath.wikispaces.hcpss.org/http://grade5commoncoremath.wikispaces.hcpss.org/http://grade6commoncoremath.wikispaces.hcpss.org/http://grade7commoncoremath.wikispaces.hcpss.org/http://grade8commoncoremath.wikispaces.hcpss.org/http://grade8commoncoremath.wikispaces.hcpss.org/http://grade7commoncoremath.wikispaces.hcpss.org/http://grade6commoncoremath.wikispaces.hcpss.org/http://grade5commoncoremath.wikispaces.hcpss.org/http://grade4commoncoremath.wikispaces.hcpss.org/http://grade3commoncoremath.wikispaces.hcpss.org/http://grade2commoncoremath.wikispaces.hcpss.org/http://grade1commoncoremath.wikispaces.hcpss.org/http://gradekcommoncoremath.wikispaces.hcpss.org/http://www.wikispaces.com/content/classroomhttp://www.wikispaces.com/content/classroom


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Howard County Public Schools views its curriculum as a living, thriving one. With a simple

process and minimal overhead, there is freedom to expand the site as we:

Encourage ParticipationSoliciting suggestions and contributions throughout the year

from teachers as they encounter new sources, ideas, and successes.

Continuously Update To keep the wiki fresh, we update the pages on the site as soon as

new information is available. Empower Math CoachesWith their wealth of expertise, our math coaches have become

valuable content editors.

Wiki Structure & ContentIt has taken time to develop an intuitive model that meets teachers needs, which is why the

current wiki offering is the third iteration. While it is intended to be open to the public, there

are some entries that are restricted due to district policy.

For now, we provide the resource links shown above, and we do our best to add free

resources in alignment with our own districts plans to add support for CCSS.

We have organized the teacher wiki by course planning, and as of this writing, educators

can access nearly 100 complementary resources, including one resource that includes 120

optional homework sheets for teachers. Resources with ideas for routines and standards

information are also included.

Howard County Public

Schools views its

curriculum as a living,

thriving one.

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Wiki & CCSS StandardsIn addition to showing CCSS-aligned coursework by standards and by quarter of the school

year, we wanted to provide teachers with a foundation for true understanding of the material

before they begin work in the classroom. In our district, we focus on deep comprehension

by every instructor rather than on what a teacher task may be on a particular day. To support

teachers in working towards this goal, we provide links to many web resources. We have

professional development videos available and are looking to further expand those offerings.

One of the most valuable resources we provide is for students. In particular, we provide links

to student literature that refers to mathematical thinking in everyday terms.

In our district, we fo

deep comprehension

every instructor rath

on what a teacher tabe on a particular da

We have a progressi

vision for the online

curriculum, which i

genesis of our wikis

development.



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Wiki Design Elements

CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION: Scope and SequenceWe have a progressive vision for the online CCSS curriculum, which

is the genesis of our wikispace development.

Instructional ResourcesOur vision of an online curriculum for CCSS adoption is one

that provides more depth, more breadth, and greater access to free instructional aids andmaterials.

Commercial ProgramsDuring the past 20 years, we have never limited ourselves to

using a single curricular resource or program. Rather, we have relied on teachers to make

decisions for individual students and choose from a variety of resources. This approach has

resulted in unique solutions tailored for specic students, classrooms, and schools.

Content UnderstandingThe wiki provides specic resources to help teachers gain a

deeper understanding of the math they are teaching by standard, so that they can work

condently with their students from a position of signicant content knowledge.

PROFESSIONAL DE VELOPMENT: Content and Practice StandardsIn our district, we provide professional development

modules for every teacher at every grade level, after school long range planning for

teachers implementing the Common Core, and Content Workshops to develop content

understanding.

PedagogyOur goal is to support and develop deep questioning in the classroom to

ensure conceptual understanding and procedural uency.

Our goal is to support and

develop deep questioning

n the classroom to ensure

onceptual understanding

and procedural uency.

We take time to

ranslate messages intoanguage parents can

understand and use to

benefit their child.

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Delivery MethodsMath coaches support three additional schools four times during the

year, to help them understand the content standards and to help teachers understand

what is expected for next year.

Stakeholder EngagementWhile the wiki encourages professional development

and provides a jump-start for standards implementation, our math coaches serve as

ambassadors. We also meet with administrators so they can understand the plan as

well as the Common Core Content and Practice Standards.

ASSESSMENT: Formative AssessmentWe knew teachers needed tools for formative assessment

both during and after instruction, so we provided student learning targets, formative

assessment tasks, systemic rubrics, and progressions of skills and concepts.

Data CollectionIn different ways, we collect daily data about student success in the

classroom to help teachers plan for instruction.

PARCC/SB AssessmentsOn the wiki, we provide information to help teachers understand

PARCC, how to develop a plan for assessments, and how to use formative assessments to

drive instruction.

SUPPORTING PARENTS & COMMUNI TY:

To keep parents informed and involved, each quarter we post curriculum and vocabulary

details in a dedicated portion of the wiki: http://smart.wikispaces.hcpss.org . Hands-on tasks

that kids can do at home are organized by

standard, and we provide online resources

that parents can use to support their ownknowledge about other aspects of math

teaching and learning. ResourcesSupplying parents with relevant

content is an ongoing project in response to

what is working for them, as well addressing

their comments, questions, and requests.

MessagingWe communicate with parentsonline by dening and positioning what we

do within Common Core, and placing whatwe are doing into that context. We take time

to translate messages into language parents

can understand and use to benet their

child.

the key to succes

plan and integrate thCommon Core into

district or school is

have a plan, (2) pro

good support and re

(3) think about prof

development and

curriculum concurrand most important

(4) include open sou

resources so all invo

share and collabora

http://smart.wikispaces.hcpss.org/http://smart.wikispaces.hcpss.org/


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Delivery MethodsWe are constantly

searching for ways to reach out, and have

often used Family Math Nights, focus groups,newsletters, Board of Education advertising

spots, PTA meetings, and International Nights

to connect with stakeholders.

Stakeholder EngagementJoint meetings

with neighboring districts have boosted

parental involvement, and web pages

continue to evolve and improve our online

engagement with parents and community.

Wiki Feedback & EvolutionVetting resources is an ongoing process. Our

team continues culling and adding as we see

what works, what doesnt, and what is mosthelpful in our efforts to incorporate CCSS into our curriculumall while keeping Maryland

goals and assessments in mind. As our understanding of the Common Core improves, we

revise our expectations of exemplary resources. We do most of this editing work in the

summer, but maintenance continues on an almost-daily basis. Over time, we anticipate

retooling current offerings to provide more video, vir tual manipulatives, and interactive tools

for both students and teachers.

We frequently receive email from around the country from those asking for thoughts,

opinions, and insights into mathematics or curriculum management design, while some seek

the few resources that are protected by district policy. We nd that the number of visitorscontinues to grow as an increasing numbers of teachers and systems implement CCSS. We

enjoy the opportunity to share our experience and success with the learning community

inside and outside of our district.

ConclusionIn summary, the key to successfully plan and integrate the Common Core into your district

or school is to: (1) have a plan, (2) provide good support and resources, (3) think about

professional development and curriculum concurrently, and most importantly (4) include

open source resources so all involved can share and collaborate.

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ResourcesFree wiki template: http://www.wikispaces.com/content/classroom/about

Parent resource example: http://smart.wikispaces.hcpss.org

Other resources:

Heinemann Publishing Company

National Council of Teachers of Mathematics

Quality Teacher Development

Maryland Council of Teachers of Mathematics

If you have questions, feel free to contact me directly:

John SanGiovanni at [email protected]

About John SanGiovanniJohn SanGiovanni is a mathematics curriculum specialist who has worked with stakeholders

at the local, state, and national levels. He is currently in Howard County, Maryland where

he works with teachers, administrators, and curriculum specialists to create and implement

exemplary mathematics instruction for all students, including leading the districts

mathematics programs transition to the Common Core State Standards. As an author,

John has published books on elementary mathematics through Heinemann Publishing

Company and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. As a lead consultant

for Quality Teacher Development he provides mathematics professional development toschool districts throughout the United States. As an adjunct faculty member at Towson

University and McDaniel College, John has written and taught graduate courses for the use

of Web 2.0 tools in the mathematics classroom, as well as elementary and middle school

methods courses. John is a frequent speaker at national conferences, and serves on the Board

of Directors for the Maryland Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the Maryland Councilof Supervisors of Mathematics.

http://www.wikispaces.com/content/classroom/abouthttp://smart.wikispaces.hcpss.org/http://www.heinemann.com/products/E02963.aspxhttp://www.nctm.org/catalog/product.aspx?id=13437http://www.qualityteacherdevelopment.com/about.phphttps://www.marylandmath.org/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.marylandmath.org/http://www.qualityteacherdevelopment.com/about.phphttp://www.nctm.org/catalog/product.aspx?id=13437http://www.heinemann.com/products/E02963.aspxhttp://smart.wikispaces.hcpss.org/http://www.wikispaces.com/content/classroom/about


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