California Math Teacher: Common Core Adds Up

Much has been written and debated on the state-led shift toward more rigorous, consistent K-12 education standards commonly known as Common Core. At the same time, that intense focus on the standards has obscured an equally important shift – the adoption of instructional resources aligned to the new standards.

The Common Core State Standards, along with advances in technology, have opened up a new era in teacher collaboration over the past few years. Reaching across district and state boundaries, teachers are not only sharing useful resources and strategies, but also co-designing lessons and writing curricula.

On the rural Hawaiian island of Molokai, the Common Core is helping students prepare for college and careers that may be far from home. For teachers, the standards are fostering greater collaboration.