Thank you
Core4All would like to thank the readers that have subscribed to the blog. In the short amount of time in existence, we have had over 370 views. We hope you are finding the information useful. Please continue to pass the link to fellow colleagues who want to make a change in their curriculum.

How it all began
The idea of Core4All originated from a conversation at a Barnes and Noble one summer evening sipping lattes (or it may have been diet colas). Our original goal was to create a one-hour presentation providing ELL teachers with instructional strategies that would improve the proficiency and achievement of English language learners. At the end of the evening, we came away with the creation of a book and a design template to help all teachers build units of study around skills and standards.  We believe the Common Core State Standards (www.corestandards.org), aligned with college and work expectations, focus on learning expectations and will improve the academic achievement of students.  There is no better time than the present to initiate these standards to unify our students and teachers.

Top 3 Benefits of the Common Core State Standards
1. The Common Core State Standards will provide more stability for the mobile student. In order to close the achievement gap once and for all we need consistency with learning targets for each grade level. Clear expectations across each county, state and nation will help create stability for students who move often due to economic and personal reasons.

2. The Common Core State Standards will provide students with the necessary skills to access higher education and to compete globally in the workforce. The Common Core is a vehicle that will assist educators in creating quality and fair skills-based instruction to all students.  The 21st century skills embedded in the Common Core will pave the way for students to  think, reflect, analyze, influence, evaluate, and communicate; in other words, become an individual who will lead in the 21st century global society. Look around your classroom. Who will be the leaders of tomorrow?

3. The Common Core State Standards will enhance teacher collaboration across the nation. When teachers across the nation are using the same standards and common language, collaboration becomes more meaningful. Professional development at conferences, professional organizations and across networks will be more powerful than ever. When teachers share best practice, students benefit.

Last week, we asked that you look at the Common Core State Standards and begin to read them, visualize how they can become the cornerstones of your curriculum.  This week, Core4All asks that your teacher-team zero in on one standard you would like to work with.  In the next few weeks, we will analyze standards and show how the SACI design template will help build a stellar unit of study.