A new website will provide a comprehensive set of resources for the 40 states (plus the Virgin Islands and District of Columbia) that are gearing up for the big transition to the new Common Core State Standards.
Education company Pearson has developed a comprehensive array of integrated solutions that include aligned curriculum and iPad-ready eTexts, assessment, data management, professional development, and overall school improvement.
“We have committed to states and school districts that we will partner with them as they transition to the new Common Core State Standards,” said Pearson School CEO Peter Cohen. “The resources offered on our Common Core website represent our first steps to fulfill this promise. Beyond that, we have a dedicated team at-the-ready to assist state officials, superintendents, principals, and classroom teachers as they prepare for these rigorous new curriculum standards and assessments.”
He added, “We know that this move is requiring an immense amount of planning and coordination, so we have mobilized to create integrated resources to help states and districts with their individual efforts to make the transition.”
Cohen said that Pearson’s support will provide solutions for all that states need to consider, including the following:
Teacher training - Face-to-face and online workshops with video training modules will subject area content and the teaching of skills and strategies related to math and English Language Arts, assessment, special populations, and practices that students will need to demonstrate to show that they can apply their knowledge.
Instruction - Newly-developed common core curriculum programs, including performance assessments; enhancements to Pearson’s existing instructional materials for college and career-readiness and alignment with the new standards which will be available at no charge; digital and virtual courses, as well as a concentrated focus on mobile learning with new iPad-ready eTexts for grades 6-12.
Assessment - Formative assessment to monitor student performance and progress throughout the school year, providing critical information on how, when, and where to target remediation and instruction throughout the transition. With this data, educators gain a complete picture of student achievement and personalize the learning experience.
Data Management Systems - Integrating technology systems for student performance data management to provide classroom and longitudinal data. Systems connect all entities, providing information and tools to make meaningful comparisons and transitions that take students from early childhood to college and workplace readiness.
School Improvement - Solutions offered through America’s Choice, provider of school turnaround and improving student achievement. Provided are a combination of professional development, technical assistance, and high-quality materials.
Cohen noted, “Pearson’s close working relationships with key math and reading/literature authors and architects of the Common Core State Standards—Karen Wixson, Skip Fennell, Phil Daro, and Sally Hampton, among others—ensures that the spirit and pedagogical approach of the initiative is embodied in our professional development training for teachers, instructional materials, and assessments.”
