I have attended workshops, investigated the Internet, read articles, wrangled the DOK wheel, studied standards, and examined text complexity. However, I still feel like I do not know the mystical secret to mastering the Common Core. Am I totally ignorant or do I know more than I am realize? You be the judge!
If you had to create a word wall illustrating the most important concepts dealing with the Common Core, what would be on your wall? I think mine would look something like this:
Text Complexity Rubric- Lexiles- NoveList
Informational Text- Galileo
Research- Destiny (OPAC), databases, websites
Effective communication and writing skills- video production and presentation
Project-based- Georgia Student Media Festival- backward design
Technology integration- Web 2.0
Multiple information sources- information literacy- Big 6
Graphic organizers- summarizing
Active Learning- DOK level four
Collaboration
AASL's Standards for the 21st- Century Learner- self-assessment
College and Career Readiness Standards
If I had to amass a list of resources and tools for media specialists to help with implementing and supporting the Common Core, my list would look like this:
Crosswalk of the Common Core Standards and the Standards for the 21st-Century Learner- http://www.ala.org/aasl/guidelinesandstandards/commoncorecrosswalk
Media specialists have a vested interest in teaching to the standards. The AASL's Standards for the 21st-Century Learner are closely aligned with the Common Core Standards. This site is a wonderful planning tool. When collaborating with teachers, stop and visit here first. See which standards work together best. Check out the available lesson rubrics and template, too! You might just find a lesson you can use!
Media specialists have a vested interest in teaching to the standards. The AASL's Standards for the 21st-Century Learner are closely aligned with the Common Core Standards. This site is a wonderful planning tool. When collaborating with teachers, stop and visit here first. See which standards work together best. Check out the available lesson rubrics and template, too! You might just find a lesson you can use!
Depth of Knowledge- http://dese.mo.gov/divimprove/sia/msip/DOK_Chart.pdf
Rigor, rigor, rigor! The Common Core wants students to synthesize information to create research based products. Students need to be asked to read from a variety of sources, collect information, organize information, write effectively, and present information. When you are beginning a collaborative lesson, visit this site. Use the wheel to check and write your objectives! Aim for level four on the wheel of possibilities!
Moreillon, Judi. "A Matrix for School Librarians: Aligning Standards, Inquiry, Reading, and Instruction" - http://www.schoollibrarymonthly.com/articles/Moreillon2013-v29n4p29.html
What could the Common Core and AASL's Standards for the 21st- Century Learner look like in action? Do you want to read a narrative that can guide you in the most effective way to plan? This brief article can guide you. Don't forget to check out The Alignment Matrix!
Mrs. Sanchez's Class- http://www.sanchezclass.com/reading-graphic-organizers.htm
It is not always easy to teach students how to think! There might be better methods out there. I am not the foremost expert, but I do know this can work. Teach students how to analyze, sort information, and take notes using graphic organizers. Mrs. Sanchez's Class has some of the best organizers I have seen for reading comprehension for elementary students.
Novelist K-8- http://www.galileo.usg.edu/express?link=zknl
The Common Core requires teachers to use more literature than ever! A lot of it is informational, but not all of it. Teaching content using themes is also present in the Common Core. If you need help matching teachers up with literature that addresses certain themes, literary devices, and the appropriate Lexile band, check out this tool offered to your by Galileo! NoveList is also available through Galileo for more mature readers.
Teachers: Where Teachers Come First- http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/lesson-plan/graphic-organizers-reading-comprehension
You can find more graphic organizers on Scholastic's page. They are not as cute as Mrs. Sanchez's Class, but effective.
You can find more graphic organizers on Scholastic's page. They are not as cute as Mrs. Sanchez's Class, but effective.
The Big 6- http://big6.com
Where would I put my professional learning energy next year? The BIG 6! Years ago my district invested in a professional learning workshop for our media specialists. The session taught the process of solving an information problem from the very beginning steps all the way to the synthesis and self-evaulation process. This screams COMMON CORE and the MEDIA CENTER!
Where would I put my professional learning energy next year? The BIG 6! Years ago my district invested in a professional learning workshop for our media specialists. The session taught the process of solving an information problem from the very beginning steps all the way to the synthesis and self-evaulation process. This screams COMMON CORE and the MEDIA CENTER!
Design with the end in view, according to Judi Moreillon's article "A Matrix for School Librarians: Aligning Standards, Inquiry, Reading, and Instruction". The Georgia Student Media Festival provides a great scaffold for beginning with a technology-rich product. It also requires students to understand the Fair Use Guidelines. Give your students a chance to be a winners, and take on the media festival!
Web 2.0: Cool tools for Schools- http://cooltoolsforschools.wikispaces.com/
Do you want students to try new and exciting online tools which will inspire and allow for more creativity? You only have access to the Internet and do not have a lot of fancy equipment? Not a problem, visit this blog to see a wealth of web-based and free production tools. Get your students researching and synthesizing with some of these fun tools!
I am not an expert! I am still learning, just like you. You might not agree with my word wall or list of resources. I might still be missing the magical key ingredient to getting the Common Core right. I do not profess to have all the answers. Please feel free to share what you know. I want to learn from you also! Post your ideas and thoughts too!
Do you want students to try new and exciting online tools which will inspire and allow for more creativity? You only have access to the Internet and do not have a lot of fancy equipment? Not a problem, visit this blog to see a wealth of web-based and free production tools. Get your students researching and synthesizing with some of these fun tools!
I am not an expert! I am still learning, just like you. You might not agree with my word wall or list of resources. I might still be missing the magical key ingredient to getting the Common Core right. I do not profess to have all the answers. Please feel free to share what you know. I want to learn from you also! Post your ideas and thoughts too!
