Updates from the RI Department of Education on Rhode Island's Transition to the Common Core State Standards. If you see plain text and code, please refresh the page. http://www.ride.ri.gov/Division-EEIE/transition.aspx Article from the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL)’s journal The Language Educator, January 2013, addressing the connections between the CCSS and World Languages. http://www.actfl.org/sites/default/files/pdfs/TLE_pdf/TLE_Jan13_Article.pdf The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) developed a crosswalk document to demonstrate how their National Standards for Learning Languages align with the Common Core by identifying how each of the standards within each strand are addressed through standards – and performance –based language learning. This document also contains examples of how language students at novice, intermediate, and advanced levels demonstrate the English Language Arts and Literacy Standards. http://www.actfl.org/sites/default/files/pdfs/Aligning_CCSS_Language_Standards_v6.pdf Academic Vocabulary modules have been revised - and new resources added! The revisions have been posted under the sections for ELA, Science, and Social Studies Educators. http://www.ride.ri.gov/Instruction/CommonCoreMaterials.aspx Technology Guidelines for PARCC Assessments: Version 2.0 is the first of several documents to be released through early 2013 that will communicate technical information, and provide planning and implementation guidance in coordination with the existing efforts around the PARCC and Smarter Balanced Technology Readiness Tool. The document provides minimum and recommended specifications for computer hardware, input devices, and security requirements; and suggests recommended levels of bandwidth that will support schools instructional and assessment needs. It does not yet set minimum bandwidth specifications. Schools, districts, and states can use these guidelines to determine the eligibility of existing computers as test-taking devices for the 2014-215 PARCC assessments. http://parcconline.org/sites/parcc/files/PARCCTechnologyGuidelinesDecember2012.pdf Achieve, in partnership with College Summit, the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), and the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), has released a series of action briefs on the role of school counselors, secondary school leaders, and elementary school leaders in the implementation of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). The action briefs provide no-cost takeaways, talking points, and action steps that school leaders and counselors can begin to put into practice in their schools today. The Action Briefs can be found on the CCSS Materials page, under Administrators. http://www.ride.ri.gov/Instruction/CommonCoreMaterials.aspx PARCC has approved reference sheets that students can use during testing. These reference sheets include the necessary formulas and reference information students need to assist them in answering certain mathematics questions. In July, PARCC approved a calculator policy that spells out when students will be able to use a calculator during the assessment and what kind of calculators will be allowed. Both can be found on the Assessment Policies page. http://www.parcconline.org/parcc-assessment-policies PARCC has commissioned several white papers to be written by TAC members discussing psychometric and assessment design related issues. There are two more white papers now available: 1) "Scores and Scales: Considerations for PARCC Assessments" (Michael J. Kolen, Univ. of Iowa): http://www.parcconline.org/sites/parcc/files/KolenPARCCScoresandScales.pdf. And "Scaling PARCC Assessments: Some Considerations and a Synthetic Data Example" (Robert L. Brennan, Univ. of Iowa): http://www.parcconline.org/sites/parcc/files/BrennanPARCCScalesWhitePaper.pdf. All white papers can be found on the Technical Advisory Committee section of the PARCC web site. http://www.parcconline.org/technical-advisory-committee The CCSS Reading Foundations (K-5) define end-of-year expectations. This document is based on an analysis that determined the sub-skills students need to achieve each foundational skill. Additionally, the authors provide instructional examples aligned to the sub-skills. Educators may use this document to guide their instruction. http://www.centeroninstruction.org/building-the-foundation---a-suggested-progression-of-sub-skills-to-achieve-the-reading-standards-foundational-skills-in-the-common-core-state-standards The Library of Congress offers vast digital collections for educators to use in their teaching. This is a great resources for all educators as the CCSS in ELA/Literacy emphasize using informational texts including seminal US documents and primary/secondary resources. http://www.loc.gov/teachers/ RIDE is offering professional development (PD) regarding the critical areas of focus within the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) in English language arts (ELA)/Literacy. Each one day session will provide you with an understanding of the topic and familiarity with the tools/ activities that are provided within the modules currently on the website. The goal of this PD is for you to be able to share your learning with others in your school or LEA. For details about session registration, dates/locations, and descriptions please open the PDF. http://www.ride.ri.gov/Instruction/DOCS/CommonCore/CCSS_PD_Sessions_for_ELA-2012-13.pdf Recently, there has been some discussion around the topic of pre-reading and how it fits within the Common Core State Standards. The Common Core State Standards require students to read increasingly complex texts with growing independence. Because the standards articulate what students should know and be able to do, they, the standards do not tell us how we need to accomplish this expectation. Therefore, this module takes an in-depth look at pre-reading and asks participants to consider certain factors before determining whether a pre-reading lesson is warranted. Additionally, participants will use a guide to analyze their own practices so they may continue to be mindful of the goal, which is to allow students to work through these complex texts independently. http://www.ride.ri.gov/Instruction/CommonCoreMaterials.aspx We are pleased to announce the release of the fifth Quarterly Update Memo sharing the highlights of the past quarter and looking ahead to next quarter for the Transition to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and for the Comprehensive Assessment System (CAS). Please see the Memo for updates! http://www.ride.ri.gov/Division-EEIE/DOCS/QuarterlyUpdates/FY13-Q1_CAS-CCSS_Quarterly_Memo.pdf RIDE has created a presentation using a web-based Prezi that highlights the information and features found within the Rhode Island Comprehensive Literacy Plan document. Additional Resources on the RICLP can be found on the RICLP resource page at http://www.ride.ri.gov/Instruction/RICLP_resources.aspx http://prezi.com/7f5nyk-aqatp/riclp-presentation/?auth_key=916dc170d9e3739d24c65556d1fb9ed2de79957b This pamphlet, developed by the Military Child Education Coalition, provides background on the standards, explains why the Common Core is important to military-connected students, and discusses the new assessments that will accompany the new standards. It also includes four perspectives on the value of the Common Core – a student, a parent, an administrator, and a teacher. http://www.militarychild.org/k-12-core-curriculum-standards Parent Roadmaps provide guidance to parents/families on what their child will be learning and how they can support that learning. Parent guides in additional languages will be added in the near future. http://www.cgcs.org/site/Default.aspx?PageID=244 Three new and updated resources have been posted to support LEAs in planning and implementing the transition to the CCSS for the 2012-2013 school year: LEA Transition Planning PowerPoint (updated August 2012), LEA CCSS "Get Set!" Benchmarks, and "Get Set!" School PD Implementation 2012-2013 Sample. http://www.ride.ri.gov/Instruction/CommonCoreMaterials.aspx We are pleased to announce the first release of sample item and task prototypes for the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC). The primary purpose of sharing item and task prototypes is to provide information and to support educators as we transition to the CCSS and the PARCC assessments. The dynamic, online prototypes presented on the PARCC website are designed to shine a light on important elements of the CCSS and to show how critical content in the standards may be manifested on next-generation, technology-based PARCC assessments. The PARCC sample item and task prototypes should be viewed as one of the many types of materials educators can use during the transition to the CCSS and PARCC. Students and parents may also find the sample item and task prototypes to be a useful resource for learning more about the CCSS and about how state assessments may appear in the future. In addition to the released sample item and task prototypes, the website provides other ancillary materials developed to build understanding of how the sample item and task prototypes illuminate the richness of the CCSS. http://www.parcconline.org/samples/item-task-prototypes This module provides teachers with the opportunity to explore the Standards for Mathematical Practice with the express purpose of integrating them into grade-level content instruction. Participants use the PARCC Model Content Frameworks, learning progressions, and model tasks to assist them in taking their first steps to implementing the CCSS into their daily practice. http://www.ride.ri.gov/Instruction/CommonCoreMaterials.aspx In 'Part 2: Selecting Tier Two Words for Explicit Instruction,' participants will gain additional experience selecting Tier Two words for instruction by using a set of criteria. Participants will have an opportunity to work with an instructional guide to begin planning for explicit vocabulary instruction. In 'Part 3: Planning for Instruction,' participants will have the opportunity to extend their understanding of planning explicit vocabulary instruction with Tier Two words by using their own classroom texts and sharing instructional approaches. http://www.ride.ri.gov/Instruction/CommonCoreMaterials.aspx The lead writers of the CCSSM, Jason Zimba, Bill McCallum, and Phil Daro, created this document to assist publishers in developing instructional materials that promote a “faithful” implementation of the CCSSM. It is also intended to be a resource for LEAs when adopting new materials or assessing the value of those currently in use within their schools. Additionally, while remaining true to the principles of focus, coherence, and rigor, the Criteria offer a rubric to facilitate the evaluation process and provide guidance for science and technical subjects with respect to mathematics. http://www.corestandards.org/assets/Math_Publishers_Criteria_K-8_Summer 2012_FINAL.pdf These updated guides provide information for educators and administrators about implementing the Common Core, preparing for the PARCC assessment, and key points on helping to ensure a thoughtful transition. A guide for educators can be found at: http://www.ride.ri.gov/Instruction/docs/CommonCore/CCSS_GetSet-Educators.pdf. A guide for administrators can be found at: http://www.ride.ri.gov/Instruction/DOCS/CommonCore/CCSS_GetSet-Admin.pdf. http://www.ride.ri.gov/Instruction/DOCS/CommonCore/CCSS_GetSet-Educators.pdf This module, 'A Focus on General Academic Vocabulary,' explores the Common Core State Standards' focus on General Academic Vocabulary as a way to provide greater access to complex texts. Educators will learn how to identify The Three Tiers of Vocabulary, become familiar with criteria for selecting Tier Two words for explicit instruction, and explore some instructional resources. http://www.ride.ri.gov/Instruction/CommonCoreMaterials.aspx The "Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass an American Slave, Written by Himself" text excerpt and completed protocol for facilitator use have been added to the Common Core Support Materials web site under ELA/Literacy Educators and Social Studies Educators. http://www.ride.ri.gov/Instruction/CommonCoreMaterials.aspx This new resource developed by Jason Zimba, one of the authors of the Common Core State Standards, outlines the seven criteria for Resources that should prove helpful in guiding the development of curriculum modules and accompanying materials. http://engageny.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/criteriaresources-math1.pdf 'Part 3: Arguments' - Participants gain a deeper understanding of the integration of the strands of the ELA/Literacy Common Core State Standards as it pertains to argumentation. They broaden their understanding of argumentation by reading and listening to Patrick Henry’s “Speech to the Second Virginia Convention (1775)” and tracing the speaker’s argument. 'Part 4: Analyzing and Writing Arguments' familiarizes participants with tools and resources to support the teaching of argument writing. Participants annotate a student sample of argument writing from Appendix C of the Common Core State Standards and also examine an argument writing rubric. Using a text set (a collection of resources on one topic), participants have an opportunity to practice argument writing. http://www.ride.ri.gov/Instruction/CommonCoreMaterials.aspx This webinar focuses on the critical changes in methods and content of instruction in language arts in the CCSS for elementary grades. http://www.ccsso.org/Resources/Digital_Resources/April_10_EAG_Webinar.html 'Part 1: Introduction' of the Writing an Argument Module enables participants to understand the definition, key terminology, and characteristics of argument writing in the ELA/Literacy Common Core State Standards. Participants learn why argument writing is given such prominence in the standards and are introduced to the distinction between persuasive writing and logical argumentation. 'Part 2: Deconstructing Argument Writing' explores the rigor of the argument writing standard in the ELA Common Core State Standards by having participants deconstruct the standard at their own and other grade levels to identify what students are expected to know and be able to do. Participants think about the instructional implications of the expectations and begin to plan resources and strategies that they could use to teach argument writing. http://www.ride.ri.gov/Instruction/CommonCoreMaterials.aspx This 1-4 hour module is designed to provide participants with a deep understanding of the key shifts, focus, coherence, and rigor, required by the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics (CCSSM). The module package includes facilitator materials, an annotated power point, and handouts with activities. Additionally there are links to videos one of which features a lead writer of the CCSSM, Jason Zimba. We recommend it as a foundation to any Common Core professional development in mathematics. http://www.achievethecore.org/steal-these-tools/professional-development-modules/math-shifts-module This 1.5–4 hour module is designed to guide and support principals, content supervisors, central office leaders, and coaches in the work of planning and carrying out the implementation of the Common Core State Standards. The module addresses five aspects of effective leadership in implementation: knowing and understanding the shifts, setting a vision for college and career readiness, developing clear metrics to guide the work, building capacity in schools, and staying engaged. http://www.achievethecore.org/steal-these-tools/professional-development-modules/instructional-leadership-module ELA/LITERACY Resources engage educators with the PARCC Model Content Frameworks for ELA/Literacy, Grs. 3-11. The PowerPoint provides background information and overview of the structure of the frameworks for all grade levels. Whereas the Guided Discovery and Discussion aides in facilitating conversations to strengthen one’s understanding of the frameworks for their grade level. MATHEMATICS Resources are intended to summarize the essential matter of the Model Content Frameworks for Mathematics for grades 3-8. Organized in chart form by grade level, these documents are meant to be quick, supplemental references to the Frameworks for busy educators. Direct links are provided to the unabridged Frameworks document as well as guiding questions for districts, schools, and individual educators to assist in transitioning to PARCC and the Common Core State Standards. http://www.ride.ri.gov/Assessment/PARCC.aspx The Tri-State Collaborative (comprised of educational leaders from Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New York) has developed criterion-based rubrics and review processes to evaluate the quality of units and lessons intended to address the Common Core State Standards for ELA/Literacy and Mathematics. Educators may use the rubrics to evaluate units and lessons and to inform and guide current and future collaborative curriculum development efforts. These resources may also assist in understanding the critical areas of focus in the CCSS. http://www.ride.ri.gov/Instruction/CommonCoreMaterials.aspx The National Association of Elementary School Principals has created a checklist, complete with resource links, intended to assist principals in their responsibilities for implementing the Common Core State Standards. While this may not be a complete list or applicable to all, the checklist provides a thoughtful framework for thinking through making the Common Core State Standards happen in schools. http://www.naesp.org/communicator-may-2012/common-core-implementation-checklist-principals We are pleased to announce the release of the fourth Quarterly Update Memo sharing the highlights of the past quarter and looking ahead to next quarter for the Transition to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and for the Comprehensive Assessment System (CAS). Please see the Memo for updates! http://www.ride.ri.gov/Division-EEIE/DOCS/QuarterlyUpdates/FY12-Q4_CAS-CCSS_Quarterly_Memo.pdf This tool will help planning teams in local education agencies (LEAs) and schools assess their current capacity for CCSS implementation. Implementing the CCSS will require a clear understanding of the people and organizations that play a part in implementation - as well as an assessment of the extent to which they are already undertaking the essential elements of this work. Teams review their LEA's/school's CCSS implementation plan in accordance with this tool, which contains relevant questions and lays out guideposts for what "weak" and "strong" performance looks like. Teams then rate their plan and give evidence for that rating. The results of the assessment can help teams to see where planning efforts are weaker and need additional support. This tool has been adapted from the Achieve/EDI Common nCore Implementation Workbook. http://www.ride.ri.gov/Instruction/DOCS/CommonCore/TransitionPlanning/RIDE_CCSS_District_Diagnostic_Tool.doc PARCC and SBAC announced new guidance designed to inform schools and districts as they make annual instructional technology purchases. The guidelines include hardware and operating system specifications covering the vast majority of commercially available computers and tablets. In addition to the guidelines, a new PARCC web page has been created and a FAQ document for the guidelines has also been posted. http://www.ride.ri.gov/Assessment/PARCC.aspx More resources that support the transition to the CCSS for all students have been added to a new Research section within the section of Resources for Diverse Learners. http://www.ride.ri.gov/Instruction/CommonCoreMaterials.aspx Additional supports (examples, resources) posted for the Learning Trajectory Protocol and the Instructional Alignment Chart protocol. These resources help educators continue the conversation about the CCSS beyond the “Study of the Standards” workshop. Each tool addressed within the workshop will be supported. These resources are adapted from 'A Study of the Common Core State Standards' developed by The Charles A. Dana Center at the University of Texas at Austin for the Rhode Island Department of Education, Spring 2011. http://www.ride.ri.gov/Instruction/CommonCoreMaterials.aspx Two new Text Dependent Questions Modules - Part 3 and Part 4 - have been posted. In Part 3: Maintaining a Deep Connection to the Text, participants will be able to identify text-dependent questions and recognize the importance of students staying deeply connected to the text. In Part 4: Creating Text-Dependent Questions for Close Reading, using a common text, participants will create new text-dependent questions and revise existing questions. http://www.ride.ri.gov/Instruction/CommonCoreMaterials.aspx Four new resources have been posted! The first is a PDF which identifies the Common Scale for Band Level Text Difficulty Ranges, highlighting six different Text Analyzer Tools: Lexile® - Analyzer and Find a Book, ATOS®, Degrees of Reading Power©, Flesch Kincaid®, SourceRater© - About and Tool, and Pearson Reading Maturity Metric©. The next is the research article, "Measures of Text Difficulty: Testing their Predictive Value for Grade Levels and Student Performance," that assesses the capabilities of the six “text analyzers.” The Challenge of Challenging Text article, written by Timothy Shanahan, Douglas Fisher, and Nancy Frey, addresses complex texts: “When teachers understand what makes texts complex, they can better support their students in reading them.” The final resource is a video vignette titled "The Common Core State Standards: Complex Text & Its Implications in the Classroom" where Dr. Timothy Shanahan discusses the ELA Common Core State Standards readability requirements and how an increase in complex texts may shift the way teachers think about teaching students to read a challenging text. http://www.ride.ri.gov/Division-EEIE/transition.aspx We are pleased to announce the release of the third Quarterly Update Memo sharing the highlights of the past quarter and looking ahead to next quarter for the Transition to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and for the Comprehensive Assessment System (CAS). Please see the Memo for updates! http://www.ride.ri.gov/Division-EEIE/DOCS/QuarterlyUpdates/FY12-Q3_CAS-CCSS_Quarterly_Memo.pdf New timeline outlining school years 2011-12 through 2014-15 and RIDE and LEA responsibilities, specifically regarding resources and professional-development opportunities to build LEA capacity in four target areas: (1) supporting all educators as they work to understand the standards; (2) providing intensive support for curriculum alignment and resource development in targeted LEAs; (3) building a comprehensive assessment system; and (4) providing access to and professional development in the use of data to drive instructional decision-making. http://www.ride.ri.gov/Instruction/DOCS/CommonCore/TransitionPlanning/Transition_to_the_CCSS-PARCC_TIMELINE.pdf The Civics GSEs and Common Core State Standards Educator Engagement Grants are envisioned as an opportunity for Rhode Island educators to deeply engage with the Civics GSEs and the Common Core State Standards and to creatively think of ways to implement these standards in their classroom. The Rhode Island Department of Education is particularly looking for new and innovative ideas for implementation of the Common Core and the Civics GSEs in elementary, civics, history, social studies, or government classrooms through curriculum resources, content knowledge development, or other innovative quality projects. Project teams will consist of teachers and other educators working collaboratively, and may include a higher education or community organization partner. The total grant pool is $9,000, with anticipated maximum of 9 grants awarded. Local Education Agency educators from all grade levels are encouraged to apply. Application deadline is April 9, 2012, with award announcements made by April 13, 2012. Grant information and application form can be found at www.ride.ri.gov/Instruction/Civics.aspx. http://www.ride.ri.gov/Instruction/Civics.aspx Resources to help educators continue the conversation about the CCSS beyond the “Study of the Standards” workshop. Each tool addressed within the workshop will be supported. These resources are adapted from 'A Study of the Common Core State Standards' developed by The Charles A. Dana Center at the University of Texas at Austin for the Rhode Island Department of Education, Spring 2011. http://www.ride.ri.gov/Instruction/CommonCoreMaterials.aspx The Alliance for Excellent Education hosted a webinar with Laura Slover of the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) and Susan Gendron of the SMARTER Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC), who joined Governor Bob Wise (President of the Alliance for Excellent Education) and Pascal D. Forgione, Jr. (K-12 Center at ETS). The webinar provides general information on the consortia, as well as an update on the consortia's progress. This link goes directly to the page with the embedded webinar (1.5 hours) and the downloadable supplemental materials (assessment designs, state memberships, PARCC presentation, SBAC presentation). http://media.all4ed.org/webinar-mar-1-2012 The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) Mathematics Curriculum Materials Analysis Project has designed a collection of tools to enable educators to evaluate the quality of mathematics curriculum resources with respect to the CCSS. Tools consider a resource’s alignment to both the Standards for Mathematical Content as well as the Standards for Mathematical Practice. Additionally, the document provides a professional development facilitator’s guide, an accompanying Power Point, and a tool relating to the equity, formative assessment options, and technological assets of a resource. http://commoncoretools.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/ccsso-mathematics-curriculum-analysis-project-whole-document-6-1-11-final.docx The Lexile Analyzer is a software program that evaluates the reading demand—or readability—of books, articles and other materials. Educators may use this tool to obtain a lexile measure for use during their text complexity analysis. The Find a Book tool will create personalized reading lists that students may use when selecting books to practice reading; users may enter a Lexile measure and pick topics of interest and the tool will find books to add to the list. Remember that Lexile measures alone do NOT account for a complete measure of text complexity; however, this tool is helpful as we work through text complexity analysis and ensure that students are reading appropriate texts. http://www.ride.ri.gov/Division-EEIE/transition.aspx The Common Core Materials page has been reorganized for easier navigation - let us know what you think through our Feedback Survey at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CCSS-PARCC_TransitionSitesSurvey! On the CCSS Materials page, click on a bold link to reveal resources for Administrators and ELA, Mathematics, and Science Educators. We also added resources to the new section for Resources for Diverse Learners on the Educators' "Transition" resources tab. Also, a new Transition Resource for Mathematics Educators has been posted: Conversation with Mathematics Colleagues after "Cracking the Code". This professional development module is intended to grow capacity for the understanding of the “structure” of the CCSS (mathematics). The module should be used in conjunction with the Cracking the Code PowerPoint during common planning time, department meetings, faculty meetings, etc. http://www.ride.ri.gov/Instruction/CommonCoreMaterials.aspx Resources listed under the "Transition" tab for Educators, for ELA/Literacy Educators. For Part 1: An Introduction, participants will gain an understanding of the Common Core State Standards’ shift to encourage a closer reading of text by asking questions that are text-specific. For Part 2: Examining Close Reading Exemplars, participants will learn how to support their students as they undergo the kind of close reading the CCSS require by responding to a series of text-dependent questions. http://www.ride.ri.gov/Instruction/CommonCoreMaterials.aspx Each LEA technology director must complete this form as part of the PARCC technology readiness assessment. The form is due to Michael.Ferry@ride.ri.gov by March 16, 2012. Thank you. http://www.ride.ri.gov/Assessment/DOCS/PARCC/PARCC_Readiness_User_Layout_Spreadsheet.xls RIDE has posted a new document that provides a visualization of the distribution of the domains in the CCSS. Key Information: the domains within the K-8 Mathematical Content Standards are not consistent across the grade levels which is very different from the structure of the Rhode Island GLE/GSEs. For example, the Domain “Counting and Cardinality” exists only in Kindergarten, “Measurement and Data” begins in kindergarten and ends in grade 5, and the “Geometry “ domain extends from Kindergarten through grade 8. This does not imply, however, that instruction of the content standards within the domain suddenly ends when it is no longer called out but rather that mastery of the content within the domain should be attained at that grade level. http://www.ride.ri.gov/Division-EEIE/transition.aspx Two new resources for Mathematics Educators have been posted under the 'Transition' resources tab: Deeper Insight into Instruction, and Where to Focus: Math Shifts, Key Fluencies, and Major Work of Grade. The first set of resources provide deeper insight into the instructional shifts required by the math standards. The second document provides guidance about which topics constitute the major work of each grade. http://www.ride.ri.gov/Instruction/CommonCoreMaterials.aspx RIDE has posted two new resources for ELA/Literacy Educators under the 'Transition' resources tab: a Guide to Creating Questions for Close Analytic Reading, and several close reading exemplars. Text Dependent Questions are identified within the CCSS as a key skill for students: rather than asking students questions about their prior knowledge or experience, the standards expect students to wrestle with text dependent questions: questions that can only be answered by referring explicitly back to the text in front of them. The Guide provides questions to help guide thinking on development of text dependent questions. The close reading exemplars intend to model how teachers can support their students as they undergo the kind of careful reading the Common Core State Standards require. The exemplars provided are for Grades 6-12. http://www.ride.ri.gov/Instruction/CommonCoreMaterials.aspx David Coleman, lead writer for the Common Core State Standards, is coming to Rhode Island on Wednesday, February 29, 2012! RIDE and RIBGHE have coordinated opportunities for David Coleman to speak to members of the community and share his experience and perspective. In each session, Mr. Coleman will focus on topics relevant to his audience to support our transition to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and to the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC). One session is offered to district and higher education leadership, the other for educators from K-12 and higher education. For more information on the times and locations of these sessions, view the PDF flier (click on the title of this update). To RSVP for an applicable session, go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/DavidColeman-February29-RSVP http://www.ride.ri.gov/Instruction/DOCS/CommonCore/DavidColeman-Feb29_Flier.pdf The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) has issued an invitation to educators to participate in a new series of webinars to support all states in Common Core State Standards implementation. The first webinar will take place on Thursday (January 26), from 2 - 3 p.m. The purpose is to share tools and resources to support teachers and districts on text complexity, which is the linchpin of the ELA standards. The webinar will feature Sue Pimentel, a member of the Common Core State Standards English language arts writing committee, as well as representatives from the Kansas and Louisiana Departments of Education. All materials and a recording of the webinar will be available on the CCSSO website after the event. Anyone is welcome to register and attend this free webinar. CCSSO will be hosting additional Common Core implementation webinars throughout the year. The following webinars have been scheduled, and a complete schedule will be posted shortly: February 23, 2 p.m.: Communications with Different Audiences - CCSSO will release a series of customizable one-page handouts to communicate the Common Core State Standards quickly and easily with district leaders, legislators, and other audiences. March 22, 2 p.m.: Engaging Higher Education. To register for the January 26 event, please visit the CCSSO webinar series home page, at: https://ccsso.webex.com/ccsso/onstage/g.php?p=22&t=m. Recordings of webinars will also be posted to the CCSSO home page after each event. https://ccsso.webex.com/ccsso/onstage/g.php?p=22&t=m Looking for some basic information on PARCC to share with your educators? This double-sided handout summarizes general information about PARCC, its benefits to educators, information about its design, and the role of K-12 educators in PARCC. http://www.parcconline.org/sites/parcc/files/FactsAtAGlance-K-12%26PARCC-2011.pdf The Rhode Island Department of Education has created resources that illustrate critical areas of focus from the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). The K-12 ELA/Literacy document articulates critical areas of focus for reading, writing, and language, with definitions for each area that are drawn from the CCSS, the Publishers' Criteria for ELA/Literacy, and the PARCC Model Content Frameworks. The 'Expanded Definitions' document provides additional information to help expand the readers’ understanding of the Critical Areas of Focus for ELA/Literacy document. Critical areas of focus for mathematics are illustrated in documents for K-2, 3-5, and 6-8. http://www.ride.ri.gov/Instruction/CommonCoreMaterials.aspx The Rhode Island Department of Education is continually looking for ways to improve our web pages for the Transition to the CCSS and PARCC site, the Common Core State Standards site, the CCSS Resources and Materials site, and the PARCC assessment site to better meet the needs of all stakeholders. We have posted a survey on the main Transition to the CCSS and PARCC web site to gather information from our visitors. Please assist us by giving a few minutes of your time and providing feedback on a few questions. The survey link is: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CCSS-PARCC_TransitionSitesSurvey https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CCSS-PARCC_TransitionSitesSurvey Three modules strive to engage participants in determining text complexity for texts utilized in K-12 classrooms. The first module, Considering Text Complexity, is designed for participants to understand the reasoning and importance of the Common Core State Standards’ shift to increase the complexity of texts utilized in K-12 classrooms in order to prepare students for college and career readiness. The second module, Measuring Text Complexity - Part 1, is designed for participants to use a protocol to determine text complexity grade bands for a selection of common texts. The third module, Measuring Text Complexity - Part 2, is designed for participants to utilize a protocol to determine text complexity grade bands for texts that are currently used in their classrooms. The modules can be found under 'Educators' in the 'Transition Resources' tab on the Common Core Materials page. http://www.ride.ri.gov/Instruction/CommonCoreMaterials.aspx We are pleased to announce the release of the second Quarterly Update Memo sharing the highlights of the past quarter and looking ahead to next quarter for the Transition to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and for the Comprehensive Assessment System (CAS). Please see the Memo for updates! http://www.ride.ri.gov/Division-EEIE/DOCS/QuarterlyUpdates/FY12-Q2_CAS-CCSS_Quarterly_Memo.pdf PARCC has proposed some changes to the original assessment design, pending approval by the USDOE: instead of four summative components that contribute to a student's score, the PARCC summative assessment will have two components. This PDF shows the components of the assessment and how they may be spaced throughout the year. The first component will assess hard-to-measure standards through performance tasks (e.g., writing effectively when analyzing text, solving math problems based on everyday scenarios). The second component is comprised of innovative machine scorable items. PARCC is also developing two optional assessments (early and mid-year) that can be used to provide instructionally useful feedback to teachers and students and do not contribute to a student’s summative assessment score. The first is expected to be diagnostic and an early indicator of student knowledge and skills, and the second to be performance-based. All assessments are expected to be computer-delivered. http://www.ride.ri.gov/Assessment/DOCS/PARCC/PARCC_Proposed_Assmnt_Design-Sept2011.pdf RIDE has created a flier for public use that has active links to all of our Common Core resource pages. This PDF can be emailed to friends and colleagues, or printed as handouts. http://www.ride.ri.gov/Instruction/DOCS/CommonCore/CCSS_Announcement_Flier-PRINT.pdf RIDE has posted a PDF that outlines the transition plan for the Fall 2012 and Fall 2013 NECAP assessments. Please note that the NECAP Science Assessment is not affected by the transition to the Common Core State Standards. The transition plan for the Fall 2012 and Fall 2013 NECAP tests follows a thorough comparison of the NECAP GLEs/GSEs and the CCSS. This plan has been reviewed by assessment specialists and content specialists from each of the four NECAP states, as well as by the states’ assessment contractors and the NECAP Technical Advisory Committee. Throughout the process the goals were to be fair to educators and students during the transition and to maintain the quality of the information provided by the tests. http://www.ride.ri.gov/Assessment/DOCS/NECAP/NECAP_During_Transition_to_CCSS.pdf New materials available to support two interactive sessions on exploring how the Common Core State Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science and Technical Subjects, Grades 6-12, can be thoughtfully taught in a science classroom. The first session strives to engage educators in the CCSS for Literacy in Science by providing an opportunity to explore attitudes about Reading and Writing in the context of a Science classroom by looking at the CCSS. The second session strives to engage participants in a review of the CCSS for Literacy in Science and identify where the CCSS for Literacy in Science naturally compliment the skills that are already being built within the Science classroom using current Units of Study or lessons. http://www.ride.ri.gov/Instruction/CommonCoreMaterials.aspx#SciEd The Common Core Materials web site now has sections for content area educators with resources specifically for you! Hover the pointer over the 'Educators' menu and click on a link for ELA, mathematics, or science educators - or go directly to the resource in the sub-menu. More resources will be posted soon! http://www.ride.ri.gov/Instruction/CommonCoreMaterials.aspx The Common Core State Standards documents are now available to be downloaded in Word and Excel formats for easier copy/paste. The Word versions of both Mathematics and ELA/Literacy both contain the narratives for the standards; the Excel versions do not. These new versions, as well as the original PDFs, can be found on RIDE's Common Core State Standards page under "Standards Documents." http://www.ride.ri.gov/Instruction/CommonCore.aspx#standards The Recorded Webinars walk the participant through the Model Content Frameworks for Mathematics or ELA/Literacy, address frequently asked questions, and highlight key points for teachers and administrators. Each webinar lasts approximately 90 minutes. The powerpoint for each webinar is also available as a PDF file. These webinars are great tools for understanding the Model Content Frameworks! http://www.ride.ri.gov/Assessment/PARCC.aspx#materials PARCC has released Model Content Frameworks that will be used to inform the development of item specifications and blueprints for K-12 assessments in English and math. The frameworks also provide support and guidance for implementation of the Common Core State Standards. PARCC hopes they will be used by educators for the remainder of the 2011-2012 school year. In the spring of 2012, PARCC will again solicit feedback on the Model Content Frameworks, and a refined version will be issued that incorporates feedback as needed. In this way, the Model Content Frameworks can evolve to reflect the experiences of educators and students. For more information or to view the frameworks, go to www.parcconline.org/parcc-content-frameworks. http://www.parcconline.org/parcc-content-frameworks PARCC has recently released an overview of the resources and tools the consortium will be creating over the next four years, including a proposed timeline. Such resources and tools include the model content frameworks, model instructional units, item and task prototypes, and professional development modules, among others. http://parcconline.org/sites/parcc/files/PARCC%20Tools%20and%20Resources_9-2-11-FINAL.pdf PARCC just issued its first Quarterly Progress Report, which has been posted to the new PARCC Updates page. PARCC will release and post these snapshots of the consortium's progress (and immediate next steps) every three months. You can also sign up for the PARCC Place Newsletter by entering your email address in the "Stay Informed!" box at the top of the page. Newsletters will also be posted to this page. http://parcconline.org/parcc-updates Two documents - one on ELA, one on Mathematics - strive to provide a general overview of some of the major differences between the GLE/GSEs and the CCSS. Particular attention is devoted to new features in the CCSS and major shifts in focus and/or rigor across grade spans. http://www.ride.ri.gov/Instruction/CommonCoreMaterials.aspx#overview Short (10 minutes or less) videos feature the Lead Writers of the CCSS providing a deeper understanding of the standards for ELA/Literacy and for Mathematics. RIDE has developed an easy-to-read matrix with informmation on the audience, topic, and an overview statement about each video. http://www.ride.ri.gov/Instruction/CommonCoreMaterials.aspx#HuntVignettes Join David Coleman as he presents to a group of principals in New York City on the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). David, contributing author to the Common Core State Standards, outlines the guiding principles of the CCSS and highlights the significant changes present within the CCSS in Mathematics and English Language Arts and Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science and Technical Subjects. The information David shares will be good fodder for discussion.

Be sure to check out David’s savvy banter on the CCSS as it is both compelling and entertaining! http://www.ride.ri.gov/Instruction/CommonCoreMaterials.aspx#keynote-DC David Coleman and Susan Pimentel, both authors of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), have published these Criteria documents intended to serve as a guide for publishers and curriculum developers in their work to align to the English Language Arts and Literacy Common Core State Standards.

Rhode Island believes that administrators and teachers are essential members of curriculum development. Therefore, these documents offer much fodder for discussion as all educators transition to the Common Core State Standards. http://www.ride.ri.gov/Instruction/CommonCoreMaterials.aspx#publishers Resources to support LEAs in planning and implementing their transition to the CCSS - includes timelines, LEA benchmarks, guidance, and an example of what a school plan could include for the 2011-2012 school years! http://www.ride.ri.gov/Instruction/CommonCoreMaterials.aspx#planning A FREE app is available for iPhone and Android smartphone users! Download it today! Also works on iPad and Android tablet computers! http://www.ride.ri.gov/Division-EEIE/transition.aspx#CCSS-app RIDE now has an email address dedicated to our state's transition to the Common Core! RI.CommonCore@ride.ri.gov http://www.ride.ri.gov/Division-EEIE/transition.aspx#email Stay updated on RI's transition to the CCSS! 'Like' us on Facebook or sign up for RSS notifications! See RIDE's CCSS Transition page to sign up: www.ride.ri.gov/Division-EEIE/transition.aspx. http://www.ride.ri.gov/Division-EEIE/transition.aspx#follow Lead Writers of the CCSS featured in short videos providing a deeper understanding of the standards. http://www.ride.ri.gov/Instruction/DOCS/CommonCore/CCSS_Implementation-Video_Vignettes_Hunt_Institute_CCSSO_9_1_11.pdf Resources supporting the first phase of CCSS implementation - including an updated powerpoint and FAQs about CCSS and implementation in RI. http://www.ride.ri.gov/Instruction/CommonCoreMaterials.aspx#intro Key points about the CCSS and the changes taking place over the next five years. Plus, how parents, LEA/school administrators, teachers, higher education, and all Rhode Islanders can support a smooth transition. Downloadable in PDF format. http://www.ride.ri.gov/Instruction/CommonCoreMaterials.aspx#CCSS_guides