Implementing the CCSS in Mathematics: Challenges and Strategies

CCSSO National Assessment Conference June 2013

Elliott Asp, Ph.D.Assistant Superintendent

Cherry Creek SchoolsGreenwood Village, CO

Overview

Changes from existing standards to CCSS

Challenges for implementationStrategies and ResourcesNext steps

What’s Different in Math?

Focus: focus strongly where the standards focusCoherence: think across grades, and link to major topics in each gradeRigor: in major topics, pursue with equal intensity conceptual understanding, procedural skill and fluency, and applications

What’s Different in Math?

Answer Getting vs.

Problem Solving

Standards for Math Practice

1. Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them

2. Reason abstractly and quantitatively3. Construct viable arguments and critique the

reasoning of others4. Model with mathematics5. Use appropriate tools strategically6. Attend to precision7. Look for and make use of structure8. Look for and express regularity in repeated

reasoning

Content Shifts

“Old” Algebra 1

•Order of operations with integers

•Solve multi-step algebraic equations

•Write and solve linear equations

•Graph linear equations

•Bivariate data and linear modeling

•Solve systems of linear equations

•Operations with polynomials (except division)

•Operations with exponential expressions

•Solve and graph quadratics

Common Core Math 8

•Irrational numbers

•Radicals and integer exponents

•Solve multi-step algebraic equations

•Write and solve linear equations

•Graph linear equations

•Bivariate data and linear modeling

•Solve systems of linear equations

•Define, evaluate, and work with functions

•Congruence and similarity

•Pythagorean Theorem

Challenges

Lack of mathematical content and pedagogical knowledgeExisting course sequenceParental expectationsAdministrator and Board understanding and supportPolitical opposition

Professional Development for Teachers

Secondary Math CadreStandards for Math Practice

TrainingModel Classrooms with STEM

CoachesCommon Core WorkshopsWeb Resources

Online Resources for Teachers

http://www.livebinders.com/play/play/378509

Expectations for Schools

Course Sequence(DRAFT)

Grade

Traditional Pathway

Alternate Pathway High School entry

Alternate Pathway Middle School entry

12 AP Statistics  or Pre Calculus or

College Algebra or other senior elective 

 AP Calculus

AB/BC

 Calculus

3/Differential Equations

11 Algebra 2 Algebra 2+ AP Calculus BC 10 Geometry Geometry + Algebra 2+

9 Algebra 1 Geometry + 8 Math 8 Algebra 1 7 Math 7 Math 7/8 6 Math 6 Math 6/7

Professional Developmentfor Building Administrators

Independent study course

online

Continuing professional development through monthly administrator meetings

Online Training for Administrators

https://cole.ccsd.k12.co.us/course/view.php?id=4424

Information for Board of Education andParents/Community

PresentationsParent meetingsPublicationsWeb Resources

Common Core State Standards

(CCSS)Report to the Board of Report to the Board of

EducationEducationCherry Creek School District

October 2012

Parent and Community Resources

Web Resources

http://www.cherrycreekschools.org/CurricDev/CommonCore/Pages/default.aspx

CCSS as a Vehicle to Achieve District Goals

The “Common Core” is the “Common Floor”

• Excellence and Equity Excellence and Equity – raising the academic achievement of all students, closing the gap between the highest- and lowest-performing students, and eliminating the predictability of achievement by race.

• College and Post-Secondary College and Post-Secondary Preparedness and Success Preparedness and Success – preparing students for success in college and other post-secondary options, including vocational education, the military, and the workforce.

Cherry Creek School District Goals

District Performance PlanAction Step

Revise curriculum and instructional practices across all levels so that ALL students are prepared for success in college and other post-secondary training or are “on track” to do so• Align curriculum and programs with the state

standards and ACT benchmarks district-wide• Offer only courses that allow students to

access the curriculum necessary for success in college and post-secondary training

An Unfinished Journey

Why Common Core?

“These Standards are not intended to be new names for old ways of doing business. They are a call to take the next step. … It is time to recognize that standards are not just promises to our children, but promises we intend to keep.”

–CCSSM, p. 5

Questions?Michael.Gallagher@dpi.nc.gov 

Jim Milgram (milgram@math.stanford.edu)

easp@CherryCreekSchools.org

James.mcbride@renlearn.com