Implementation of the Common Core State Standards: A Transition Guide for School-level Leaders

In this guide we outline a set of indicators for school-level success in implementing the Common Core State Standards. We found that high-quality transition plans address leadership teams, establishing common expectations, ongoing professional learning opportunities, data systems, instructional resources, family and community engagement and resource allocation. For each indicator, we include discussions of high-impact actions, measures and tools to provide leaders with tangible field resources.

This tool serves as the foundation for Core Ready Schools, an open-source web-based self-assessment, planning and progress-monitoring tool for schools and school systems. We developed it in partnership with The Aspen Institute Education and Society Program, in collaboration with Education First, Insight Education Group, Student Achievement Partners and Targeted Leadership.