A Common Core Love Story

I first met the Common Core State Standards in my office at Traeger Middle School long after the school day ended more than three years ago.

I sat in my uncomfortable desk chair, huddled in front of my computer, and typed in a URL. I'm not ashamed to say our relationship - like so many modern-day love stories - began online. And, like most first dates, I didn't instantly feel great about what I saw. I was a little nervous and scared.

I stuck with it, though, and diligently read the standards and provided my feedback. I didn't keep notes about the feedback I provided (it was all collected on a lengthy online form). I do remember a little apprehension about the reading foundational skills (our previous standards didn't have those) and text complexity, and I definitely remember a sense of joy and relief at seeing specific standards for each grade-level (no more lengthy meetings in which we wrote grade-level standards and benchmarks!!).

As I hit "submit" to send my comments to the CCSSO and NGA, I felt like I was part of something big. That first date - an anniversary I've never even bothered to celebrate since - changed my work as an educator.

It's no big secret around Wisconsin that my love of these standards has only grown since. I unabashedly talk about my favorite standard (Speaking and Listening 1) and my favorite thing about the standards (a multi-dimensional measure of text complexity). I almost always have a copy in my bag, and my iPhone has stored "CCSS" in its auto-correct.

I believe know these standards are assisting educators in transforming student learning. I see it when I travel to school districts throughout Wisconsin. I believe know these standards allow educators to truly collaborate within their district and with other districts around student learning. It gives me goosebumps every time I see it happening.

So, I am proud to say that The Booth will be all about Common Core State Standards for the entire month of November. The coaches will be sharing the resources that have been most helpful in their district's journey with Common Core State Standards.