Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/138130
"Pair-share" partnering is a "close read" strategy. from San Diego State University, both members of the California Faculty Association. Mark West Faculty Association (MARFAC) members took what they had learned from these meetings back to their school sites, piloting new lessons based on the Common Core. Other teachers observed them. Eventually, all instructors were asked to develop a few lessons in the CCSS and implement them before the end of the school year. "There is a lot of support for each other," says Susan Gonyo, association president and fourthgrade teacher at John B. Riebli School. For her CCSS lesson, students were divided into groups and asked to take on the role of being a travel agent in the 1800s and create a brochure encouraging travelers to visit the Gold Rush in California. Students used books, magazines and computers to create brochures that included sections on lodging, shopping, dining, recreation, transportation and maps from that era. "It's very fun, learning about the Gold Rush together, instead of just getting information from the teacher," says student Kenadie Geernaert. "I like it a lot." Gonyo finds teaching to the Common Core reminiscent of thematic instruction that was popular before NCLB, when teachers could be more creative. Because there are fewer standards, she can go into more depth on certain topics if she likes. "I don't think it's going to be a difficult transition," she says. "Our staff is innovative, and most people are very positive about it." Gonyo and Anderson advise others to start with "baby steps" by first becoming educated about what the CCSS are all about. Gonyo carries the CCSS Overview book with her at all times. Anderson has a free app called CORE on her phone for quick reference and planning. It is also important to educate parents about the switchover, they say, warning there may be a slump in test scores during the transition. "The art of good teaching is using good teaching sense," says Anderson. "We are not throwing the baby out with the bath water. Rather, we will use what we know works, add new teaching strategies as we see fit to meet the needs of our students and comply with the new Common Core State Standards. I think the new standards will allow us to be the teacher again. I am excited to be part of this process." You protect your loved ones... June/July 2013 www.cta.org Educator 06 June 2013 v2.0.indd 19 19 6/14/13 9:30 PM