The California Department of Education has developed resources for educators implementing the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) in California classrooms. Professional learning modules developed by California teachers and other experts provide strategies and resources.
The Curriculum Support and Reform Act of 2011 (AB 250) requires the California Department of Education to oversee the development of professional learning modules (PLMs) that support educators in delivering curriculum aligned to Common Core State Standards to all pupils. These modules will be available online at no cost.
The legislation required that a task force develop criteria to guide the development of the PLMs to provide critical information and strategies as the common core academic content standards are implemented. These criteria would be based on the CA Standards for the Teaching Professions and developed in consideration of the National Staff Development Council’s Standards for Staff Development. The PLMs are to make use of and build on existing professional development programs.
The PLMs are charged with deepening educators’ understanding of at least the following criteria:
- The Common Core State Standards
- Instructional strategies to support the learning of all pupils, including English learners, pupils with disabilities, and under performing pupils
- Instructional strategies that promote creativity, innovation, critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration, and communication skills in all academic content areas
- The integration of subject content knowledge
- Instructional leadership and coaching
Task force members were also charged with selecting the PLM topics.
The following module topics will be completed by September 2012:
- Overview of the Professional Learning Modules (PLMs), CCSS for math and ELA
This module will guide educators to discover the shifts and changes from the 1997 standards and how they affect their learning contexts. It will include high quality resources for CCSS implementation.
- Math: K-12 Standards for Mathematical Practice
This module will review each of the standards for mathematical practice and describe the important processes and abstract thinking needed to develop a deeper understanding of mathematics.
- Math: K-12 Learning Progression
This module will assist educators in applying coherence and deep understanding of mathematical concepts and using diagnostic and formative assessments to inform them about students’ progression.
- ELA: Non-fiction Reading
This module will embed lesson design for grade spans K-12, and address text complexity, text-based answers, academic vocabulary, diagnostic and formative assessment, 21st century skills, technology and integrate differentiated instructional techniques, such as Response to Instruction and Intervention (RtI²).
- ELA: Non-fiction Writing
This module will embed lesson design for grade spans K-12, including writing from sources and using academic vocabulary. Use of 21st century skills, technology, and integrated differentiated instruction, such as RtI², will also be addressed.
Additional professional learning modules will be available before September 2013.
More professional learning support can be found on the CDE Common Core State Standards Resources Web page.
