ELA/Literacy: Common Core State Standards Resources and Upcoming Professional Development

By Diann Roberts
ELA/RD Coordinator

CCSS Resources:

As we get closer to the full implementation of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) this fall, I hope everyone is able to take advantage of newly available resources and upcoming professional development (PD) designed to help Idaho's education professionals prepare for our state's new, higher standards.

Many of you have visited the Idaho State Department of Education's CCSS website, and I encourage you to check back regularly because we continue to add new resources. If you have not yet had a chance to visit, or you have questions about the CCSS in Idaho, the website is a great place to start finding answers. While you're there, take a look at our newly posted CCSS Implementation Plan, and keep an eye on the 2012-2013 Professional Development for Idaho Teachers & Administrators link to stay informed about new opportunities as they become available.

Upcoming PD Opportunities:

Spring and Summer Regional Professional Development
Regional spring sessions will be held in February and March. These sessions will serve as a "next step" for educators implementing the CCSS into their classrooms, not as an introduction to the CCSS. Click Here to learn more and register.

  • Boise – February 11th
  • Twin Falls – February 12th
  • Pocatello – February 25th
  • Idaho Falls – March 11th
  • Lewiston – March 26th

Northwest Inland Writing Project Spring Conference
The Common Core & Beyond: Shooting for the Stars!
Contact Information: NIWP Director: 208-292-2512
Spokane, Washington
March 5-6, 2013
Register Here

High School Math and ELA/Science & Content Area Summit:
This Summit will feature two days of breakout sessions for mathematics and ELA/science content areas and for administrators.

  • Dr. Mel Riddile, Associate Director for NASSP, will assist principals and their leadership teams in managing the change process required for effective transition to the Common Core State Standards.
  • Dr. Bradford Findell will assist secondary mathematics teachers with practical steps in making the shift to the Common Core State Standards.
  • English Professor Jeffrey Wilhelm, Boise State Writing Project Director, will assist secondary ELA/Content area teachers with practical steps to incorporate informational and argumentative text into the classroom to meet the demands of the CCSS.

Pocatello, Idaho
March 14-15
Please check PD link for exact locations (TBA) and forthcoming registration information.

NEW CCSS Training Modules 1-16-2013
Designed to provide ongoing and consistent professional development that replicates the highly successful face-to-face workshops delivered in summer 2012, these five discrete but interlocking modules provide a coherent, detailed regimen of activities for use in districts that includes resources, goals, objectives, strategies, and detailed notes for trainers. The modules begin with activities and strategies for orientation to the Common Core and move through the beginning stages of lesson and unit planning.
Explore the Modules